Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the architect of the country’s anti-US stance, was killed in the joint military operation, carried out by the United States and Israel, Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday. This marks a dramatic escalation in tensions across the Middle East. Iran state television began broadcasting Quranic recitations following the confirmation. Iran also declared 40 days of public mourning and announced a seven-day national holiday.

According to Iranian media reports, Khamenei was killed during coordinated US-Israeli aerial strikes targeting key military and government installations in Tehran and other strategic locations. The strikes reportedly hit the Supreme Leader’s office complex, known as Beit-e Rahbari, where he was said to have been present. US President Donald Trump said military action would continue “through the week or as long as necessary.” In a statement, Trump called the development the “greatest chance” for the Iranian people to “take back” their country. The joint assault marks the second direct U.S. strike on Iranian targets in recent months amid ongoing tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme. Analysts said the killing of Khamenei, who held ultimate authority over Iran’s military, judiciary and foreign policy for more than three decades, could trigger a major leadership vacuum in the absence of a publicly designated successor.