Breaking: Donald Trump claims that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the US-Israel joint strike on Tehran. Iran has denied these reports. Is the Middle East heading towards large-scale war? Read full analysis and live updates.
Iran Supreme Leader: US President Donald Trump claimed on Saturday that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in a joint air strike by America and Israel. “Khamenei, one of the worst men in history, is dead. This is justice not just for the people of Iran, but for all the great Americans and people around the world who were harmed by Khamenei,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. But Iran’s government media has completely rejected this claim. According to IRNA and Iran Times sources, Khamenei is safe and well, and is still overseeing the country’s strategic decisions.
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Who was the target of the air strike in Tehran?
The first wave of US-Israel joint strikes on Saturday targeted the Pasteur neighborhood of Tehran. This is the area where the Supreme Leader’s compound and many military headquarters are present. According to reports, Iran’s Defense Minister Aamir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards Commander Mohammad Pakpur are also reported to have been killed in the attacks. However, official confirmation is still pending on these claims. This raises a big question – if Khamenei is also killed then who will take control of power in Iran?
Can the IRGC take power?
Experts believe that if Khamenei’s death proves to be true, the fundamentalist Iran Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) could take a strong hold on power. This will not only affect the internal balance of the country, but may also increase tensions with the US and Israel in the Middle East.
Khamenei’s mysterious X post
Soon after the claim surfaced, a cryptic message was posted from Khamenei’s X (formerly Twitter) account. It read in Persian, “In the name of Haider (peace be upon him).” The Iranian media presented it in such a way that the Supreme Leader is still active and fully involved in the country’s decisions.
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Is Trump’s claim just political pressure?
Many analysts believe that this claim from Trump and Israel could be for strategic pressure and to divert the world’s attention. However, if this proves to be true, it will be the biggest blow to Iran’s 47-year-old Islamic system.
History and influence of Ali Khamenei
86-year-old Khamenei has been ruling Iran since 1989. He has full authority over the military, judiciary and all branches of government in the Shia Islamic Republic. He faced numerous conflicts with the West and maintained influence in the Middle East through his proxy forces. Last year too, Khamenei had to go into hiding during US and Israeli air strikes, which killed many of his close officials and damaged nuclear facilities.
Impact on the Middle East and the world
If the death of the Supreme Leader is confirmed, Iran may retaliate. From this:
- IRGC can seize power.
- Iran-US-Israel conflict may increase further.
- Oil and global markets will be affected.
- Political instability may increase in the Middle East.
The world is now desperate to see whether this claim is true or just part of a political strategy.