Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, is dead, according to Iranian state media reports from early Sunday, reported AP. Iranian state television announced his death but did not provide details on the cause.
The death occurred after a joint US and Israeli aerial bombardment that targeted Iranian military and governmental sites. The presenter read a statement from Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) confirming Khamenei's death and blaming the US and Israel. The statement said that Khamenei's "martyrdom" will mark the start of "an uprising in the fight against the oppressors", BBC reported.
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How was his death announced?
On Iranian state television, an anchor broke in to read the announcement of Khamenei’s death. "To the noble and proud people of Iran: With the ultimate grief and sorrow this is to inform you that following the barbaric attack by the criminal governments of America and the evil Zionist regime, the true example of faith, jihad and resistance, the Supreme Leader of the Revolution Grand Ayatollah Khamenei achieved the blessing of martyrdom," the anchor said, reported AP.
40 days of mourning announced
In a tearful address, a state TV presenter announced Khamenei's death. They said the country will enter 40 days of mourning, BBC stated in its report.
Iranian state television reported that Khamenei was at his compound in downtown Tehran when the initial attack started. Satellite photos from Airbus showed the site heavily bombed.
His death at his office "showed that he consistently stood among the people and at the forefront of his responsibilities, confronting what officials call global arrogance", state TV said, reported AP.
No mention of successor in announcement
Several state media outlets in Iran have confirmed Ayatollah Khamenei's death, following a statement from Iran's Supreme National Security Council. However, the statement did not reveal how the 86-year-old died or who might succeed him as leader.
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Hours earlier, US President Donald Trump had stated that Khamenei had been killed in a joint American-Israeli operation targeting Iran. He added that his death is "the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country", AP reported.
Relatives killed in attacks
Earlier, state media reported that Khamenei's daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild were also killed in the attacks. BBC quoted 'The Fars News Agency', which is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, that reported that one of Khamenei's daughters-in-law has also been killed.
