Tehran, 01 March (H.S.): Iranian state media, including IRNA and state TV, confirmed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death on Sunday, March 1, following US-Israel airstrikes—echoing US President Donald Trump's Saturday declaration and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's hints.
Official Confirmation and Mourning
IRNA reported Khamenei killed early Saturday in his Tehran office compound during Operation Epic Fury. A 40-day national mourning period and 7-day public holiday were declared. Family losses include his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law.State media initially denied reports, calling them mental warfare. Public relations chief accused enemies of psychological ops. Reza Pahlavi, exiled crown prince, hailed the Islamic Republic's end, urging transition.
Trump and Netanyahu's Assertions
Trump posted on Truth Social: Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. Netanyahu cited strong indications Khamenei is no longer, claiming strikes destroyed his compound and killed IRGC/Revolutionary Guard commanders, defense minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, and nuclear officials.Israeli military listed: Mohammad Shirazi (military bureau chief), Mohammad Pakpour (IRGC chief), Saleh Asadi (intelligence).
Escalation and Casualties
Strikes targeted nuclear sites (Fordow/Natanz/Isfahan), missile/drone facilities. Iran launched Operation True Promise 4 waves, hitting US bases in UAE/Bahrain/Qatar/Kuwait/Jordan/Syria.
UAE downed 132 missiles/195 drones; Dubai's Burj Al Arab facade fire, airport damage (4 injured).
Iran: 201 dead/747 wounded (24 provinces); Minab school strike killed 108 girls.
Israel: Tel Aviv fatality, 21 injured; Eilat alerts.
Global Reactions
UNSC: Guterres condemned all strikes; UAE/Saudi/Jordan/Morocco decried Iran violations.
EU emergency Monday.
IRGC vows continuation; Larijani eyed as successor amid Assembly of Experts impasse.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei:
Iran's Iron-Fisted Supreme Leader (1939–2026)Born April 19, 1939, in Mashhad to cleric Sayyed Javad Khamenei—second of eight children. Khomeini's key student; arrested repeatedly pre-1979 Revolution; survived 1981 mosque bombing (right arm paralyzed).
Career Highlights:
1981–1989: Iran's first cleric-President (post-Rajai assassination).
June 4, 1989: Elevated to Supreme Leader after Khomeini—constitution amended despite lacking top ayatollah rank.
Absolute Authority:
Controlled IRGC (commander-in-chief), judiciary, elections, media.
Fatwa banned nukes but advanced civilian program; funded proxies (Hezbollah, Houthis, Hamas). Crushed 2009 Green Movement protests.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
