Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The announcement comes less than 24 hours after reports of renewed airstrikes against Iran. According to Netanyahu, Israeli intelligence suggests Khamenei was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli attack.
In a televised address, Netanyahu stated there were "many signs" that Khamenei was killed in a surprise attack on his compound in Tehran. He also claimed that several senior Iranian regime officials, commanders of the Revolutionary Guards, and key figures in the nuclear program had been eliminated. Netanyahu warned that further strikes against targets in Iran were planned in the coming days.
As of now, Iran has not officially confirmed Khamenei's death. The Iranian Red Crescent has reported that at least 201 people were killed and 747 injured as a result of the Israeli and American strikes.
The news of Khamenei's alleged death marks a potentially major turning point for the Islamic Republic, as Khamenei has been the Supreme Leader since 1989. His death could lead to significant political and geopolitical shifts in the region.
Israeli media reported that a senior Israeli official confirmed Khamenei's body was found under the rubble in Tehran. However, an Iranian official, quoted by state media, claimed that "the enemy is resorting to mental warfare". The situation remains uncertain, pending official confirmation from Iran.
