Israeli officials are reporting that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed during a large-scale attack launched by Israel and the United States early Saturday. There has been no official confirmation from either the U.S. or Iranian governments.
In a nationally televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were “growing signs” that Khamenei had been killed when Israeli forces struck his compound in Tehran. Shortly after, two Israeli officials, speaking anonymously pending a formal announcement, said Israel had confirmed his death.
If confirmed, Khamenei’s death would mark a dramatic turning point for Iran. The 86-year-old cleric, who succeeded Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, held ultimate authority over Iran’s political, military and religious institutions, including the powerful Revolutionary Guard. He reportedly had no designated successor, raising uncertainty about the country’s leadership and the risk of prolonged conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier told NBC News that, “as far as I know,” both Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian were alive. Iran has not issued any official statement confirming the Israeli claim.
President Donald Trump, in a video address announcing what he described as “major combat operations,” urged Iranians to “seize control of your destiny” and rise against their leadership. The White House said congressional leaders from both parties were briefed in advance, though some Democratic lawmakers criticized the administration for acting without formal authorization.
Iranian state media reported that at least 201 people were killed and more than 700 injured in the strikes. Iran retaliated with missiles and drones targeting Israel and U.S. military bases across the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. The U.S. military said it had suffered no casualties and reported minimal damage to its installations despite “hundreds” of Iranian attacks.
Israel said it also targeted senior Iranian military and security officials, including commanders of the Revolutionary Guard and key advisers. These claims have not been independently confirmed.
The attacks occurred during the holy month of Ramadan and followed weeks of rising tensions linked to stalled nuclear negotiations. The United Nations Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting, while the International Atomic Energy Agency said it was monitoring the situation and had detected no radiological impact.
The escalation has disrupted flights across the Middle East and heightened fears of broader regional instability. Analysts warn that the situation could affect global oil markets, particularly if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is threatened.
Even if Khamenei’s death is confirmed, experts caution that regime change in Iran is not guaranteed. The country’s political structure, dominated by clerical authorities and the Revolutionary Guard, remains deeply entrenched.
Developments are ongoing.