Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in attacks carried out by Israel and the United States, according to Iran’s state television.
In an emotional announcement delivered in a tearful voice, a state TV presenter confirmed the news and declared 40 days of national mourning across the country.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump had claimed that Khamenei had died following US and Israeli strikes.
Iran’s system of governance under a Supreme Religious Leader was established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the monarchy of Reza Shah Pahlavi. Following his removal, Iran was declared an Islamic Republic, replacing royal rule with a religious-political structure.
Since 1979, Iran has had two Supreme Leaders. The title “Ayatollah” is used for the position, a term in Shia Islam that denotes a senior religious authority.
As Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also served as the Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s armed forces, holding ultimate authority over the military and key state affairs.
