Iranian state-affiliated broadcaster Press TV on Sunday reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes, describing his death as “martyrdom.”
In a post on X, Press TV stated that the “Leader of the Islamic Revolution” had been killed in attacks carried out by the United States and Israel. According to Reuters, citing Iranian state media, authorities have announced 40 days of public mourning across the country.
Earlier, Israeli daily The Times of Israel reported, citing Iranian media, that several members of Khamenei’s family — including his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law — were also killed in the strikes. However, it noted that there was initially no official confirmation regarding Khamenei’s own fate.
As reports of his death circulated, international media outlets including CNN and Fox News broadcast visuals purportedly showing celebrations in parts of Iran. Videos shared on social media showed crowds chanting slogans such as “Death to the Islamic Republic” and “Long live the Shah.” Fox News aired footage it said showed people celebrating in Besat Town, a suburb of Karaj.
Former Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy shared a video on X claiming Iranian women were celebrating in the streets without mandatory head coverings. Iranian-American journalist and activist Masih Alinejad also posted videos allegedly from inside Iran, expressing hope that the development could mark the beginning of political change.
In London, videos circulating online showed expatriate Iranians and Israelis celebrating together in public gatherings.
Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called on Iranians to unite and support what he described as a “stable transition to a free and prosperous future.” In a statement on X, Pahlavi said any attempt by the current regime to appoint a successor would be “doomed to fail” and urged security forces to align with the people.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed responsibility for the strike in a post on Truth Social, calling Khamenei’s reported death “justice for the people of Iran” and stating that military operations would continue “as long as necessary.”
There has been no independent verification of these claims, and official confirmation from multiple international agencies remains limited. The situation in Iran continues to evolve amid heightened tensions across the region.
