Khamenei Reportedly Killed in US-Israeli Joint Strike on Iran
The United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes against Iran early Saturday morning, dramatically escalating tensions in the region amid reports that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the operation.
According to a senior Israeli official cited in multiple reports, Khamenei was allegedly targeted during the strikes and later confirmed dead. The official claimed that Khamenei’s body was recovered and that a photo of it was shown to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Iranian state media had not publicly confirmed the reports at the time of publication.
The joint operation follows weeks of failed negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program. President Donald Trump had previously warned that Iran would face severe consequences if it refused to dismantle its nuclear ambitions. In a video message posted shortly before 3 a.m., Trump delivered a blunt ultimatum.
“It’s a very simple message. They will never have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. He warned Iranian leaders to “lay down your arms or face certain death.”
Israeli officials later confirmed that the strikes targeted both Khamenei and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, along with military and missile infrastructure tied to Iran’s defense and nuclear programs.
Iran responded by launching what it described as a “first wave of extensive missile and drone attacks” across Israel. Air raid sirens sounded in multiple cities as Israeli defense systems worked to intercept incoming projectiles.
Tehran also reportedly launched a strike near a U.S. Navy base in Bahrain. Video circulating online appeared to show an explosion impacting an area adjacent to a U.S. naval facility. U.S. officials said there were no immediate reports of American casualties.
Both U.S. and Israeli officials have indicated that the military campaign may extend for weeks, suggesting that the opening strikes were part of a broader effort to degrade Iran’s leadership structure and military capabilities.
The situation remains fluid, with regional forces on high alert and global leaders closely monitoring developments as the Middle East enters one of its most volatile moments in recent history.