Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said there are indications that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed following a strike on his compound in Tehran.
In a televised address on Saturday, Netanyahu stated that the operation formed part of joint military action carried out by Israel and the United States against Iranian targets.
“This morning, in a powerful surprise strike, the compound of the tyrant Ali Khamenei was destroyed in the heart of Tehran… and there are many signs that this tyrant is no longer alive,” Netanyahu said.
Earlier on Saturday, explosions were reported in several Iranian cities following what officials described as a wave of coordinated strikes. Columns of smoke were seen rising above parts of Tehran.
Related News: US, Israel Launch Major Combat Operations Against Iran
Turkey Issues Genocide Arrest Warrants Against Netanyahu, Israeli Officials
Iranian Missile Strike Kills Three Israelis Despite Ceasefire Claim
United States President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces had commenced large-scale military action, describing the objective as targeting what he called imminent threats.
“The United States’ military began major combat operations in Iran,” Trump said in a video message posted on social media.
He added, “We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally, again, obliterated. We’re going to annihilate their navy.”
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz characterised the action as a “preventive strike”, stating that it was intended to neutralise strategic military capabilities.
Iranian authorities have not formally confirmed the death of Khamenei. There was no immediate official statement from Tehran addressing Netanyahu’s claim.
The reported strikes have prompted international concern, with diplomatic sources indicating that emergency consultations were under way among several governments and multilateral bodies regarding the escalating situation.
