Iran’s highest authority was killed during coordinated US and Israeli strikes, multiple international outlets reported Saturday, citing senior officials briefed on the operation. The attacks targeted military and strategic sites across Iran late Friday, dramatically escalating tensions in the region.
Officials said Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died during the initial wave of strikes, though Iranian state media had not formally confirmed his death at the time of reporting. The operation focused on facilities described as tied to Iran’s missile and nuclear programs. Within hours, Iran launched retaliatory missiles and drones toward Israel and US-linked positions in the Middle East.
Air defense systems were activated across Israel as explosions were reported in several areas. Gulf states temporarily closed their airspace, and commercial airlines diverted flights amid security concerns.
Casualty numbers from the broader exchange remain unclear. The United Nations scheduled emergency talks, while world leaders called for restraint. The reported death of Iran’s supreme leader marks a pivotal moment, raising urgent questions about the country’s leadership and the risk of further military escalation.
