Khamenei killed in US Israel strike, Iran threatens massive offensive

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Iran confirms Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei killed in joint US Israel strike on Tehran
Trump calls it the “greatest chance” for Iranians to reclaim their country
Iran launches missiles at Tel Aviv, vows unprecedented regional retaliation

The Middle East entered uncharted territory on Sunday after Iranian media confirmed that Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader for over three decades, was killed in a joint US Israel strike on Tehran. The killing marks the most dramatic escalation in the long running confrontation over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional power.

Iran has vowed a massive military response, while US President Donald Trump described the operation as a historic turning point for the Iranian people.

Khamenei killed in strikes on northern Tehran

Iranian state and semi official media reported that multiple missiles struck northern Tehran, including areas near the Supreme Leader’s residence and offices in Shemiran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed that Ali Khamenei was killed while carrying out official duties.

State linked outlets also reported that Khamenei’s daughter, son in law, and granddaughter were killed in the same attack, delivering a devastating blow to Iran’s ruling establishment.

ALSO READ | Israel Iran pre-emptive strike triggers explosions in Tehran

Trump hails operation as historic moment

US President Donald Trump publicly confirmed Khamenei’s death, calling it justice for victims of Iran’s actions over decades. Trump said the strike represented the “single greatest chance” for Iranians to take back their country.

He warned that US and Israeli bombing would continue until peace was secured across the Middle East, signaling no immediate de escalation despite global alarm.

Iran vows largest offensive in its history

Iran’s response was swift and uncompromising. The IRGC warned that the “heaviest offensive operations in the history” of Iran’s armed forces would begin imminently, targeting Israel and US assets across the region.

Within hours, Iranian ballistic missiles struck central Tel Aviv, triggering explosions and emergency responses across the city, according to Israeli authorities.

Netanyahu urges Iranians to overthrow regime

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were “many signs” Khamenei was no longer alive, claiming Israeli forces had destroyed the Supreme Leader’s compound and eliminated senior regime figures.

Netanyahu called on Iranians to rise against the ruling system, framing the strikes as an opportunity for regime change rather than limited deterrence.

Conflict spreads beyond Iran and Israel

The war has rapidly expanded into a multi theatre conflict. Missile and drone attacks have threatened US bases in the Persian Gulf, including reports of strikes near the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. Explosions were also reported in Qatar and the UAE.

Airspace across Iran, Israel, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE has been shut indefinitely, disrupting global aviation and raising fears of economic shock.

ALSO READ | Jairam Ramesh calls Modi’s Israel visit ‘shameful’ amid Israel-US military strike on Iran

Nuclear talks collapse amid military escalation

The strikes came despite ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran, mediated by Oman, and held in Geneva. US officials had demanded dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, terms Tehran repeatedly rejected.

Iranian leaders say the attack confirms their long held belief that diplomacy was a cover for regime change, not nuclear restraint.

Who was Ali Khamenei and why his death matters

Khamenei, 86, ruled Iran since 1989, wielding ultimate authority over the government, military, judiciary, and clerical establishment. His death creates an unprecedented power vacuum in the Islamic Republic, with no clear succession roadmap amid active war.

Analysts warn that internal instability combined with external conflict could push the region toward prolonged chaos.

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