Iran confirms Khamenei killed in US-Israel strikes, declares 40-day mourning

New Delhi,UPDATED: Mar 1, 2026 08:22 IST

Iran on Sunday confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in large-scale US-Israeli airstrikes, announcing 40 days of national mourning after what officials described as the most extensive attack on Iranian territory in decades.

Iranian state media reported that Khamenei died following coordinated strikes targeting senior leadership and military installations across the country. A senior Israeli official had earlier told Reuters that the Iranian leader’s body was recovered from the rubble of his compound after the attack.

US President Donald Trump said Washington worked closely with Israel to target Khamenei, who had led Iran since 1989 and wielded ultimate authority over the country’s military and strategic decision-making.

- Ends