The death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been confirmed by the Iranian military…

New Delhi. Following claims by Trump and Israel, the Iranian military (IRGC), the state news agency IRNA, and the main news channel, Press TV, have officially confirmed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei was in his office at the time of the attack on Saturday.

In a statement, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) mourned the death of Imam Khamenei and paid tribute to him. The organization described his death as an “honorable martyrdom” and said his path would continue. The statement blamed the United States and the “Zionist regime” and warned of strong action and retaliation. It also appealed to the public to demonstrate national unity and strength.

Previously, Press TV reported, “Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been killed in a joint airstrike by the US and Israel.” Following Khamenei’s death, Iran declared a week-long public holiday and 40 days of public mourning.

Who was Khamenei?
During the tenure of 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran advanced its nuclear program and escalated its conflict with the US and Israel. He strengthened the Revolutionary Guard and regional proxy networks, but economic crisis and repression led to major protests in the country. Many movements, including the 2022 Mahsa Amini movement, were harshly suppressed. After the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, Khamenei assumed power and reshaped the Islamic Republic. He strengthened the power of Shia clerics and the Revolutionary Guard, which later became a highly influential institution militarily and economically.

Under his rule, Iran advanced its nuclear program, leading to conflict with the United States and Israel. Despite the 2015 nuclear deal, the subsequent US withdrawal further escalated tensions. Iran continued to enrich uranium to high levels. Regionally, Khamenei supported Hezbollah, Hamas, and other groups through the “Axis of Resistance.” However, after 2023, conflict in the Middle East escalated, weakening many of Iran’s allies.

His death has raised questions about the future of the Islamic Republic. The 88-member Assembly of Experts will select a new Supreme Leader, but there is currently no clear successor. The Revolutionary Guards are considered a key figure in the future.

Previously, US President Donald Trump announced on social media that “one of the most brutal figures in history” was gone. He described this as a great opportunity for freedom for the Iranian people.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also indicated that Khamenei’s entire base had been razed to the ground. Israeli intelligence sources claim that this was a “surgical strike” carried out using sophisticated weapons and precise information.

Press TV’s confirmation has now created a major crisis regarding the succession of power in Iran. The streets of Tehran are deserted and in an atmosphere of panic, while security forces have been put on high alert. Iran’s Foreign Ministry and military commanders have vowed to avenge this “cowardly attack,” raising fears of nuclear war or World War III across the world.