Trump Announces Death of Iran's Supreme Leader After Joint US-Israel Military Operation
In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, former US President Donald Trump has declared that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead following a coordinated assault by American and Israeli forces on key Iranian targets. Trump emphasized that "the heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue" until Washington achieves what he termed lasting peace in the region.
Trump's Social Media Post Claims Justice Served
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS." He added that the Iranian leader "was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems" and, through close collaboration with Israel, there was nothing Khamenei or other eliminated leaders could do to prevent the outcome.
Explosions Rock Tehran Amid Conflicting Reports
Early Saturday, explosions were reported in central Tehran, with Iranian media citing blasts near the Supreme Leader's office compound. Witnesses observed smoke rising across parts of the capital, roads were sealed off, and airspace was closed. While Reuters initially cited sources indicating the 86-year-old cleric had been moved to a secure location, two Israeli officials later informed the Associated Press that Khamenei had been killed. Tehran has not provided immediate confirmation of his status.
Trump Calls for Iranian Uprising and Warns of Continued Strikes
Trump described the moment as a pivotal turning point, stating: "This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country." He claimed elements of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and security forces were seeking immunity. Quoting his own remarks from the previous night, he issued a stark warning: "Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death!" He urged Iranian forces to peacefully merge with what he called Iranian Patriots and asserted that the country had been "very much destroyed and, even, obliterated" in a single day of strikes.
Trump further declared: "The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!"
White House Operation Targets Iran's Military and Nuclear Capabilities
The strikes are part of a major operation described by the White House to degrade Iran's military capabilities and halt its nuclear ambitions. US military officials confirmed that Revolutionary Guard facilities, air defences, missile launch sites, and airfields were targeted in the assault.
Iran Retaliates with Missile and Drone Attacks
In response, Iran launched missiles and drones aimed at Israel and US installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. The retaliatory strikes have led to regional airspace closures, stranding thousands of passengers and causing global markets to brace for significant disruption, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil exports.
Potential Leadership Transition Amid Escalating Conflict
If Khamenei's death is confirmed, it would mark only the second leadership transition since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, opening an uncertain chapter for the Islamic Republic as regional conflicts intensify. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing military actions and diplomatic repercussions expected to unfold in the coming days.
