TEL AVIV — Israel said Saturday that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an Israeli strike carried out as part of a large-scale joint military operation with the United States.According to Axios, Israel’s ambassador to Washington informed US officials of Khamenei’s death.An Israeli official also told the outlet that Israeli intelligence had recovered his body from a destroyed compound.Khamenei, 86, had led Iran since 1989, making him one of the world’s longest-serving leaders.His reported death could trigger an immediate succession crisis, with no clear indication of who would assume control.US and Israeli officials have previously stated that their military campaign aims to neutralize what they describe as threats posed by the Iranian regime.It remains unclear whether the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would move to consolidate power or whether the strikes could open the door to internal political upheaval.In an overnight address, US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to remain in their homes during the bombing campaign but later “take over” their government once the operation concludes.Khamenei rose to power following the death of revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and spent more than three decades consolidating authority over Iran’s political and military institutions.TEL AVIV — Israel said Saturday that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an Israeli strike carried out as part of a large-scale joint military operation with the United States.According to Axios, Israel’s ambassador to Washington informed US officials of Khamenei’s death.An Israeli official also told the outlet that Israeli intelligence had recovered his body from a destroyed compound.Khamenei, 86, had led Iran since 1989, making him one of the world’s longest-serving leaders.His reported death could trigger an immediate succession crisis, with no clear indication of who would assume control.US and Israeli officials have previously stated that their military campaign aims to neutralize what they describe as threats posed by the Iranian regime.It remains unclear whether the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would move to consolidate power or whether the strikes could open the door to internal political upheaval.In an overnight address, US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to remain in their homes during the bombing campaign but later “take over” their government once the operation concludes.Khamenei rose to power following the death of revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and spent more than three decades consolidating authority over Iran’s political and military institutions.
