U.S. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had been killed in coordinated U.S.-Israeli military strikes.
“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead,” Trump wrote, describing the development as “Justice for the people of Iran” as well as for Americans and others he said had suffered under Khamenei’s leadership.
Trump claimed the operation was carried out “working closely with Israel” and said the Iranian leader “was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems.” He added that several senior Iranian officials were killed alongside him.
Calling the moment historic, Trump described it as “the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.” He also claimed elements within Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and security forces were seeking immunity, warning: “Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death!”
Trump indicated that U.S. military operations would continue if necessary. He stated that “heavy and pinpoint bombing” would proceed “as long as necessary” to secure what he described as “PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD.”
A senior Israeli official told Reuters that Khamenei’s body had been recovered following a strike on his compound. Satellite imagery circulating in media reports showed significant damage to the Tehran complex, reportedly among the first targets in the bombing campaign.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said that Khamenei’s compound was destroyed in the operation.
Iranian news agencies Tasnim and Mehr rejected Trump’s statement, reporting that the supreme leader remained “steadfast and firm in commanding the field.”
A message posted from Khamenei’s verified account on X appeared to signal he was still alive. The post read: “In the exalted name of Haider (Ali), peace be upon him.”
The conflicting claims have left the situation unclear, with no independent confirmation of Khamenei’s status at the time of reporting.
According to Reuters, three sources familiar with the matter said Iranian Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour were among those killed in the strikes.
Israel’s military reportedly confirmed that five additional senior commanders were killed, including Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to the supreme leader. Iranian media also reported casualties among members of Khamenei’s extended family.
Separately, AFP cited Israeli television reports stating that a photograph of Khamenei’s body was shown to both Trump and Netanyahu. Public broadcaster Kan reported that senior Israeli officials had been informed of Khamenei’s “elimination” and that his body was recovered from the rubble.
If confirmed, Khamenei’s death would represent a major blow to the Islamic Republic, which he had led since 1989. He rose to prominence following the 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled Iran’s monarchy and reshaped Middle Eastern geopolitics.
The situation remains fluid, with tensions rising across the region amid conflicting narratives from Washington, Tel Aviv, and Tehran.
