US President Donald Trump confirmed Saturday that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed following joint American and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, calling his death "justice" for Americans and others killed by the regime over decades.
"Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "The people that make all the decisions, most of them are gone."
What Trump Said
In a phone call with NBC News, Trump said the strikes had been a success across three separate waves of attack carried out over 24 hours. "We've inflicted tremendous damage. It would take them years to rebuild," he said. When asked who would lead Iran next, Trump replied: "I don't know, but at some point they'll be calling me."
Two senior US officials confirmed to NBC News that the US believes Khamenei is dead based on intelligence and communication from Israeli officials. A senior defense official told Fox News that Israel's opening strike hit a compound in Tehran where Khamenei and five to ten other top Iranian leaders were meeting — and that the operation had to be accelerated based on a time-sensitive "target of opportunity."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed from his side: "This morning, we destroyed the compound of the tyrant Khamenei. There are many signs that this tyrant is no longer."
Iran's Response
Iran has not confirmed Khamenei's death. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC News that Khamenei was alive "as far as I know." State-aligned Tasnim and Mehr news agencies described him as "steadfast and firm in commanding the field." Iranian state media called Trump's claim "baseless."
Khamenei has not made a public appearance since the strikes began.
Who Was Killed Alongside Khamenei
Israel says its opening strikes targeted three sites where senior Iranian officials were gathered. A senior defense official confirmed to Fox News that Iran's IRGC commander was killed alongside Khamenei. Seven senior defense and intelligence officials were eliminated in the first wave, with Israel targeting 30 top military and civilian leaders overall.
Khamenei's daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild were also killed in the strikes, according to Iran's Fars News Agency citing unnamed sources.
Succession Crisis With No Clear Answer
Khamenei, 86, had led Iran since 1989 — 36 years as Supreme Leader. Under Iran's constitution, an interim council assumes power while the Assembly of Experts — 88 Islamic clerics — selects a new Supreme Leader. But Israel says its strikes decimated the chain of command.
The most senior civilian official confirmed still alive is Ali Larijani — former parliament speaker and secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council — who vowed on X that Iran would deliver an "unforgettable lesson."
Khamenei's son Mojtaba, widely discussed as a potential successor, is reported to have survived the strikes.
The Broader Operation
The joint operation — called Operation Epic Fury by the Pentagon and Operation Roaring Lion by Israel — struck targets across 24 of Iran's 31 provinces. Iran's Red Crescent confirmed more than 200 killed and 747 injured across the country. Strikes hit military infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and IRGC command centers.
Iran retaliated with missiles and drones across Gulf states including UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Israel. Jordan intercepted 49 drones and missiles. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for immediate de-escalation at an emergency UN Security Council meeting Saturday night.
Trump urged Iranians directly: "Take over your government."
This is a developing story. Updates will be added as official statements are released.