Israel Claims Ali Khamenei Killed in Strikes; Iran Denies

Israel claimed on Saturday that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in a sweeping military operation, a charge swiftly denied by Tehran as the United States joined the largest Western assault on Iran in decades.

A senior Israeli official told Reuters that Khamenei’s body had been found following the strikes. However, Iranian state media, citing a source close to the office of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said the leader of the Islamic Revolution remains “firmly and decisively commanding the field”.

"I can tell you with confidence that the leader of the revolution is firmly and firmly commanding the field," Iranian state media said.

US and Israel launch major strikes on Iran

The joint US-Israeli campaign, named “OPERATION EPIC FURY” by the Pentagon, targeted what officials described as Iranian military infrastructure, Revolutionary Guard facilities and nuclear-linked sites.

Donald Trump said the strikes were aimed at ending what he called a decades-long threat posed by Iran and preventing it from developing a nuclear weapon. Trump, who had campaigned for reelection as a “peace president,” urged Iranian security forces to lay down their weapons and invited Iranians to topple their government once the bombing ended.

Benjamin Netanyahu said there were multiple signs indicating Khamenei “is no longer” and claimed the supreme leader’s compound had been destroyed. He also said senior Revolutionary Guard commanders and nuclear officials were killed.

Three sources familiar with the matter said Iranian Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour were among those killed. Iranian media separately reported casualties among Khamenei’s family members.

Iran retaliates with missile strikes

Tehran described the attacks as unprovoked and illegal, vowing a decisive response. Iran launched missiles at Israel and at several Gulf Arab states hosting US military bases.

After confronting hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks, the Pentagon said there were no US deaths or injuries.

A senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander, Ebrahim Jabbari, said Tehran had so far used only “scrap missiles” and would soon unveil unforeseen weapons. Iran warned that the Strait of Hormuz — a vital chokepoint through which roughly a fifth of global oil consumption passes — had been closed, raising fears of a sharp spike in oil prices.

Airlines across the Middle East cancelled flights amid escalating regional instability, while global markets braced for further volatility.

The rapidly unfolding confrontation between Israel, Iran and the United States marks one of the most dangerous escalations in the region in decades, with far-reaching implications for global security and energy supplies.

This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here