Several of Iran’s most senior leaders have been killed in what Tehran described as “unprovoked and unwarranted” airstrikes carried out by Israel and the United States, dramatically escalating tensions across the Middle East. Iranian state media reported that Ali Khamenei, the country’s Supreme Leader, was among those who “embraced martyrdom” in the attacks. The strikes reportedly hit key sites in Tehran, with explosions echoing across the capital as large crowds gathered in shock and mourning. Israeli officials said their military was targeting strategic assets in the heart of the city.
In the hours following the strikes, additional explosions were reported in several regional capitals, including Jerusalem, Riyadh, Dubai, Doha, and Manama, underscoring fears of a broader regional confrontation. Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, condemned Khamenei’s killing as a “declaration of war against Muslims” and vowed retaliation. “Iran considers it its legitimate duty and right to avenge the perpetrators and masterminds of this historic crime,” he said in a televised address.
Iranian authorities also confirmed the deaths of several other high-ranking officials. Among them were Ali Shamkhani, the Supreme Leader’s representative in the Supreme Defence Council; Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces; Mohammad Pakpour, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); Aziz Nasirzadeh, Minister of Defence; and Gholamreza Rezaian, Iran’s police intelligence chief. Officials described the losses as an unprecedented blow to the country’s political and military leadership.
Separately, Iranian state outlets reported that the daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter of Khamenei were also killed in the strikes. Public gatherings in Tehran and other cities quickly turned into mass vigils, with mourners chanting slogans and calling for unity.
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