Iran Officially Announces the Death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Begins 40 Days of Mourning
In a scene that shakes the region and ignites global headlines, the Iranian government announced a public mourning period of 40 days and the suspension of official offices for 7 days, following the official announcement of the death of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of IranAli Khamenei, in what has been described as American-Israeli airstrikes targeting the capital Tehran yesterday, Saturday.
* Official Announcement After Hours of Controversy
Official Iranian media, including Iranian television and Fars News Agency, confirmed the news of Khamenei's death, indicating that he was targeted while in his office during the morning hours.
The Iranian Supreme National Security Council also announced the news of his “martyrdom,” while the Iranian Revolutionary Guard vowed to take “crushing and decisive revenge” on those responsible for the operation.
The official announcement came after conflicting positions; Tehran had denied reports of the Supreme Leader's death in the early hours, describing them as “psychological warfare,” before the official television later confirmed the news of his death early Sunday morning.
* Trump Announces... and Israel Confirms
For his part, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Khamenei's death via his account on the “Truth Social” platform, confirming that the operation was carried out “in close cooperation with Israel,” and that U.S. intelligence and tracking systems played a crucial role in locating him during a meeting with his senior aides.
Media reports quoted a senior Israeli official saying that Khamenei “was killed and his body was removed,” indicating that the attack coincided with a high-level leadership meeting in Tehran.
* Casualties Among His Family
Official Iranian media reports indicated that the airstrikes also resulted in the deaths of several family members of the Supreme Leader, including his daughter, granddaughter, son’s wife, and son-in-law.
Reports also mentioned the death of his office manager and several of his advisors during the same strike.
* Mourning in Iran and Iraq
Iran announced a public mourning period of 40 days, with a public holiday of 7 days across the country.
Iraq also declared a mourning period of three days in solidarity with Iran.
* Vows of Revenge and Regional Escalation
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard emphasized in an official statement that “the hand of revenge will reach the killers of Imam Khamenei with severe and decisive punishment,” at a time when the region is witnessing unprecedented tension, amid exchanges of strikes between Iran and Israel, and fears of an escalation of confrontation.
The departure of Khamenei, who has led Iran since 1989, opens the door to a highly sensitive political and security phase within Iran, raising critical questions about the future of leadership in Tehran, the mechanism for selecting a new Supreme Leader, and the implications for the entire regional balance.
