Khamenei killed in sweeping US-Israel air strikes, Iran retaliates across region

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed in large-scale air strikes carried out by the United States and Israel, according to Iranian state media. The announcement came early Sunday after what officials described as the most extensive assault on Iranian targets in decades.

A senior Israeli official told Reuters that Khamenei’s body was recovered following a strike on his compound. U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington coordinated closely with Israel in targeting Iran’s top leadership, adding that intelligence systems had tracked Khamenei’s movements.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Iranian leader’s compound had been destroyed. Israeli forces stated that about 200 fighter jets struck roughly 500 targets across Iran, including strategic defense systems.

Iran condemned the attacks as illegal and unprovoked and launched hundreds of missiles and drones in retaliation. Strikes were reported not only against Israel but also toward several Gulf states hosting U.S. bases. The Pentagon said no American casualties were recorded.

Iranian media reported that several senior officials were killed in the assault, including Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh, Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour, and Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to the supreme leader. Reports also said members of Khamenei’s family were among the dead, though these claims could not be independently verified.

In Iran, reactions were mixed. Witnesses described celebrations in parts of Tehran, Karaj and Isfahan after news of Khamenei’s death spread on social media. At the same time, explosions triggered widespread fear. Residents in cities such as Tabriz reported panic and uncertainty about their safety.

The conflict has rattled global energy and aviation markets. Iran warned it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments. Analysts predicted oil prices could surge sharply if tensions continue. Airlines across the Middle East cancelled flights, and missile fire was reported near major aviation hubs including Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha.

In Israel, sirens sounded as missiles were launched toward major cities. Emergency services said at least 20 people were injured in Tel Aviv when a residential building was struck.

The U.S. Department of Defense said the operation, named Operation Epic Fury, was aimed at eliminating what it called imminent threats from Iran and preventing the country from developing nuclear weapons. Trump reiterated calls for Iranians to challenge their government, while warning that military action would continue as long as necessary.

At the United Nations Security Council, Russia and China criticized the strikes, arguing they occurred while diplomatic negotiations were still underway. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate halt to hostilities.

The situation remains volatile, with Tehran promising a stronger response and regional powers bracing for further escalation.