Joint US-Israeli Bombardment Kills Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran
Iran retaliates with ballistic missiles as Trump issues ultimatum to security forces following the destruction of the Supreme Leader’s compound.
Image: Matt Weston / AI
Callum Smith
A joint US-Israeli aerial bombardment has killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a precision strike on his fortified compound in downtown Tehran.
Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed growing evidence of the Supreme Leader's death following the precision strikes.
Two Israeli officials later verified the death of the cleric, marking the most significant shift in the region's power structure in decades.
Donald Trump declared that Khamenei, whom he described as one of the most evil people in history, is dead.
The Iranian people now possess their greatest opportunity to reclaim their country from the current regime.
The President stated that the Iranian people now possess their greatest opportunity to reclaim their country from the current regime.
He issued a direct ultimatum to Iranian security forces to lay down their arms or face certain death.
Iran responded to the assassination by launching a massive wave of ballistic missiles and drones at targets in Israel and US military installations across the Gulf.
Iranian state media reported that over 200 people died in these retaliatory strikes.
Casualties included dozens of civilians at an elementary school near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian cabinet characterized the killing as a great crime that will never go unanswered by the state.
State news broadcasts announced that Khamenei was martyred in a joint criminal attack by the United States and the Zionist regime.
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf stated that Iran will deliver blows so devastating that the attackers will be driven to beg.
The regime has declared 40 days of official mourning and a seven-day public holiday to mark the passing of the leader.
Violence erupted at US embassies and consulates globally as pro-Iran protests intensified in the hours following the announcement.
At least 22 people are dead following clashes in Pakistan and Iraq, with six killed during confrontations with police in Karachi.
Demonstrations spread to Budgam, Baramulla, and other districts, where protesters blocked major highways.
In North London, a street was brought to a complete standstill by crowds reacting to the military escalation.
Trump told the Iranian population to take over their government once the current military operations conclude.
Reza Pahlavi declared that the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end following the death of the Supreme Leader.
Laurel Rapp of Chatham House noted the American strategy is predicated on the proposition that the Iranian people will quickly rise up.
Dr. Sanam Vakil of Chatham House stated that Trump appeared to be trying to redefine the terms of the 47-year conflict to resolve it decisively.
The strikes occurred as Iran was rebuilding nuclear infrastructure despite previous US claims of its destruction.
Unverified videos from Tehran, Shiraz, and Isfahan showed some residents blowing whistles and letting out ululations in celebration.
One resident, Shirin, stated that previous attempts to reform or protest were met with blood.
University student Hossein Dadbakhsh stated that Iran will avenge its leader against those responsible.
Iran will deliver blows so devastating that the attackers will be driven to beg.
Another student, Mojdeh, said that while this is not the end, they are ready for blood retribution against the remaining members of the regime.
Naim Qassem, Secretary General of Hezbollah, said Khamenei was leading the march of jihad against tyrannical American and Israeli forces.
Pro-Houthi media claimed a million-person march was organized to support Iran and commemorate the fallen leader.
A Lebanese woman in Beirut stated that after the death of Nasrallah, the killing of Khamenei suggests Israel can kill whoever they want.
Trump noted that Iran stated they are going to hit harder today than they have ever hit before.