Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint US–Israel airstrikes, according to Iranian state media reports on Sunday. The strikes reportedly targeted his compound, with Iran’s Fars News Agency stating that four of his relatives — including his daughter, grandchild and son-in-law — were also killed.

US President Donald Trump announced the development on Truth Social, calling it the “single greatest chance” for Iranians to reclaim control of their country. In a strongly worded statement, Trump described the operation as a decisive blow against Iran’s leadership, claiming advanced US intelligence and coordination with Israel ensured the success of the strike.

Trump further asserted that members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), military, and security forces were seeking immunity and no longer willing to fight. He warned that those who did not surrender would face severe consequences. The US President also claimed the country had been “very much destroyed” in a single day of operations.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had indicated that there were “many signs” suggesting Khamenei was no longer alive, stating that his compound had been destroyed, though he stopped short of formal confirmation at the time.

The reported killing marks a historic and potentially destabilizing moment for Iran and the wider Middle East. Khamenei, who had led Iran since 1989, was the country’s highest political and religious authority. His death could trigger significant political uncertainty within Iran’s leadership structure and intensify regional tensions.

No immediate official statement has been released detailing succession plans within Iran’s ruling establishment. The situation remains fluid, with global powers closely monitoring developments amid fears of further escalation across the region.