U.S. President Donald Trump announced Saturday that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli attack targeting Tehran. The announcement came as Iranian media reported explosions across the country, including in the capital, and as videos circulated online showing smoke rising over Jomhouri Square and Hassan Abad Square.
The strikes, described by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “powerful, surprise strike,” initially targeted the compound housing the 86-year-traditional Khamenei in downtown Tehran. Even as Iranian news agencies have claimed Khamenei is “steadfast and firm in commanding the field,” there has been no independent confirmation of his condition. Footage verified by the BBC showed explosions within 1km (0.6 miles) of the Leadership House.
The attack follows a period of escalating tensions, including a significant U.S. Military build-up in the region and recent negotiations between Washington and Tehran regarding Iran’s nuclear program. According to sources, Trump had been pressuring Iran for a deal to constrain its nuclear ambitions. The U.S. President, in a video posted on social media, called on the Iranian public to “seize control of your destiny” and rise up against the Islamic leadership that has been in power since 1979.
In response to the attack, Iran launched a barrage of missiles and drones toward Israel, as well as targeting four Gulf Arab countries hosting U.S. Military bases: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. Explosions were reported in those countries, according to initial reports.
The strikes occurred shortly after 09:30 local time (06:00 GMT) on Saturday, with reports of explosions also coming from cities including Karaj, Isfahan, Qom, and Kermanshah. Videos circulating on social media depicted panic near the sites of the explosions, with sounds of screams and crying audible in the background.
The U.S. And Israel have characterized their actions as a response to ongoing Iranian destabilization efforts. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil and gas shipments, remains a potential flashpoint, with threats to the route historically causing spikes in energy prices. The majority of oil transported through the strait goes to markets in Asia, including China, Iran’s remaining oil customer.
As of Saturday evening, Iranian authorities have not issued a comprehensive statement regarding the extent of the damage or casualties resulting from the attacks. The U.S. Has not offered further comment on Khamenei’s status beyond Trump’s initial announcement.
