United States President Donald Trump has announced the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying the 86-year-old Iranian leader was killed in coordinated U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump described Khamenei as “one of the most evil people in history,” adding that his death was “justice for the people of Iran and all freedom-loving nations of the world.”
The strikes, carried out jointly by United States and Israel, have reportedly killed more than 200 people and injured hundreds. The Iranian Red Crescent confirmed at least 700 injuries across several provinces.
Following the attacks, Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes targeting U.S. and Israeli interests across the Middle East, including Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait City, and Israel.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates confirmed incidents at Dubai International Airport and the Burj Al Arab, where falling debris from intercepted drones caused minor fires and injuries.
In Abu Dhabi, officials reported one fatality at Zayed International Airport following an explosion linked to the Iranian retaliation.
At the United Nations Security Council, Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the escalation posed a “grave threat to international peace and security,” urging all sides to exercise restraint.
Meanwhile, celebrations were reported in several Iranian cities following the confirmation of Khamenei’s death, with citizens seen cheering and waving flags. However, Iranian state media have not officially confirmed the Supreme Leader’s death, insisting he remains “steadfast and commanding.”
Former crown prince Reza Pahlavi, in exile since 1979, hailed Khamenei’s death as “the end of the Islamic Republic,” calling it an opportunity for Iranians to reclaim their country.
The situation across the Middle East remains fluid, with U.S. and Israeli forces reportedly continuing air operations.
Trump has vowed that “the heavy and pinpoint bombing will continue throughout the week, or as long as necessary to achieve peace throughout the Middle East and the world.”
