TEHRAN, Iran – The Middle East has been thrust into one of its most dangerous moments in decades after the United States and Israel launched waves of coordinated strikes against Iran, prompting swift retaliation and the confirmed death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iranian state television announced early Sunday that Khamenei had been killed, airing archival footage draped in black banners and declaring a 40-day national mourning period and seven public holidays.
Iranian media also reported that his daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter were among those killed.
US President Donald Trump earlier declared Khamenei’s death on social media, calling him “one of the most evil people in history,” and warned that US strikes would continue “as long as necessary to achieve peace throughout the Middle East.”
Coordinated Strikes on Tehran
The joint US-Israeli campaign began Saturday, with Israeli officials describing the operation as a pre-emptive strike on imminent threats. Smoke was seen rising over Tehran as Israeli fighter jets targeted locations where senior Iranian officials were believed to be gathered.
Israel’s military said 200 fighter jets struck more than 500 targets, including missile launchers and command centres. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said senior Iranian officials were killed and warned that further strikes would follow.
Iran’s judiciary later confirmed that General Mohammad Pakpour, head of the Revolutionary Guards, and senior security adviser Ali Shamkhani were also killed.
Iran accused Israel of killing 108 civilians, including students, in a strike on a girls’ school in Minab. The claims could not be independently verified.
Iran Retaliates Across the Region
In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched missile and drone attacks against Israel and US assets in the region, including the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.
Israel’s emergency services confirmed one woman killed and at least 21 injured in the Tel Aviv area. Search and rescue teams were deployed nationwide.
Iran also announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil and gas corridor, sending shockwaves through energy markets.
Explosions were reported across the Gulf, including in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. The UAE said two people were killed in Abu Dhabi after intercepting dozens of missiles and drones.
Global Alarm and Diplomatic Fallout
The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session, with Iran accusing Washington and Tel Aviv of war crimes.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned the conflict risked triggering “a chain of events no one can control.”
Russia condemned the strikes as a “dangerous adventure,” while the European Union described the situation as “perilous.” Iran-aligned groups, including Hezbollah, urged resistance against the US and Israel.
Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, hailed Khamenei’s death, saying the Islamic republic was entering the “dustbin of history.”
Airspace Shut, Flights Cancelled
Iran, Israel, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, and the UAE closed their airspace as airlines cancelled flights across the region. Russia suspended commercial flights to Iran and Israel “until further notice.”
Iranian state media said President Masoud Pezeshkian will lead a transitional government alongside senior officials as the country navigates its most volatile moment in years.
