Reports from official Iranian media have confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The leader was reportedly killed in his residence while performing his duties in his office, an attack that took place early on Saturday.
Following the confirmation of the news, Iranian authorities announced a 40-day national mourning period and a seven-day official holiday. Earlier reports had confirmed the deaths of the leader’s daughter, the son-in-law, and a granddaughter in the Saturday morning attack.
US President Donald Trump announced the death of Ali Khamenei on Saturday evening. In a statement, Trump described Khamenei as “one of the most evil people in history” and stated that he had died. He added that this was justice not only for the Iranian people but for all great Americans and victims of Khamenei and his bloodthirsty criminal gang worldwide.
On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched a wide-scale attack on Iran, which responded by firing missiles at Israel and US bases in the region. Trump had announced earlier that morning the start of a major attack on Iran aimed at destroying its military capabilities and toppling the government.
Ali Khamenei, aged 86, had ruled Iran for over three decades since being appointed Supreme Leader in 1989.
