Trump Declares Khamenei Dead After US-Israel Strike Targets Tehran Supreme Leader Compound

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israeli military strike, a development that Iranian officials have strongly denied. The assertion, made early Sunday, has not been independently verified by American, Israeli, or Iranian authorities, keeping the situation highly uncertain and under intense global scrutiny.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead,” describing the reported strike as justice for Iranians and Americans. Separately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he “believes” Khamenei was killed in air strikes in Tehran, claiming the Iranian leader’s compound had been destroyed and citing what he called multiple indications that the Supreme Leader was no longer alive.

Iran’s state-linked news agencies have categorically rejected the claims, insisting that Khamenei remains alive and is actively directing Tehran’s response to the strikes. At least two Iranian lawmakers have also dismissed the statements from Washington and Tel Aviv, according to reports by Al Jazeera. However, Iranian authorities have not yet released fresh footage or an official public appearance by the Supreme Leader to counter the claims.

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The first wave of US-Israeli strikes on Saturday reportedly targeted Tehran’s Pasteur neighbourhood, where the Supreme Leader’s compound is located, along with certain military headquarters. According to Reuters, Iran’s Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards Commander Mohammad Pakpour were among senior officials killed in the attacks, citing sources familiar with the operation.

Khamenei, who has led Iran since 1989, is the country’s highest political and religious authority, and any confirmed development regarding his status would represent a historic turning point for the Islamic Republic. Analysts warn that such an event could trigger significant internal power shifts and potentially embolden the hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to consolidate greater control over the state apparatus.

With conflicting claims and no independent verification so far, the situation remains fluid and closely watched worldwide. Officials and observers continue to await definitive confirmation from Tehran, Washington, or Tel Aviv, as the alleged strike risks further escalating tensions in an already volatile region.

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