Iran state media says Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed in US-Israel strikes as 40-day mourning announced

Iran state media says Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed in US-Israel strikes as 40-day mourning announced
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Iranian state media have reported that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in attacks on Iran blamed on the United States and Israel, marking a major escalation in a conflict that has already heightened international tension.

According to the source text, the confirmation was carried by Iranian outlets after earlier, conflicting reports in Iran suggested Khamenei was still directing operations. A 40-day national mourning period has been announced for the leader, who, the report notes, has served as Iran’s supreme leader since 1989.

The developments follow claims from US President Donald Trump, who wrote on his Truth Social account that Khamenei, 86, had been killed in joint US-Israeli strikes that began early on Saturday. In the post quoted in the source material, Trump said Khamenei was unable to evade US intelligence and tracking systems and argued the situation created an opening for political change in Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also cited as saying there were “growing signs” Khamenei had been killed. In addition, Reuters was reported as citing an unnamed senior Israeli official who claimed Khamenei’s body had been located.

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The report says Khamenei’s death would inject fresh uncertainty into Iran’s governance at a moment of expanding hostilities. Iran’s political system grants the supreme leader sweeping authority over the state, including the armed forces and judiciary, while also positioning him as the country’s top religious figure.

Barbara Slavin, identified in the source material as a distinguished fellow at the Stimson Center, was quoted as saying Iran “has a plan” in place should Khamenei’s death be confirmed, including the possible establishment of a council to run the country.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to a statement quoted in the report, denounced the killing as “a great crime” and vowed a response. The same statement said seven days of public holidays had been declared in addition to the 40 days of mourning.

While the story is centred on international developments, it is likely to be followed closely by Zimbabweans, including communities in Mashonaland Central, as any widening Middle East conflict can influence global fuel prices, commodity markets and broader economic conditions.

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