Israeli PM Netanyahu Claims Iran’s Supreme Leader is Dead Amid US‑Israel Strikes
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, may have been killed during a coordinated wave of attacks carried out by the United States and Israel.
Speaking in a televised address on Saturday, Netanyahu said intelligence reports pointed to the destruction of Khamenei’s residence in central Tehran.
He added that there were “strong indications” the Iranian leader did not survive the strike.
“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 reports confirmed that multiple explosions were recorded across several Iranian cities following coordinated air and missile strikes by the United States and Israel. Thick smoke was seen rising from different parts of Tehran as emergency services responded to damaged facilities.
US President Donald Trump said the operation was aimed at neutralising what Washington described as immediate security threats from Iran.
He noted that the action was designed to weaken Iran’s military capabilities and disrupt its missile programme.
US officials confirmed that the strikes targeted key military installations, weapons depots, and command centres believed to be linked to Iran’s defence infrastructure.
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, described the assault as a necessary step to stop future attacks on Israeli territory. He said the mission was carried out to prevent Iran from strengthening its offensive capacity.
In a video message shared on his social media platform, Trump declared, “The United States’ military began major combat operations in Iran.”
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.”
Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed the death of the Supreme Leader. However, State media acknowledged explosions in Tehran and other cities but did not provide details on casualties or damage to high-profile targets.
