US, Israel believe Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei killed in strike on underground bunker
The body of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, was reportedly found under the rubble in Tehran. His death marks a major turning point for the Islamic Republic’s leadership.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting in Tehran, Iran January 3, 2026
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated in an Israeli strike on Tehran, with his body found under the rubble caused by an Israeli airstrike, senior Israeli officials were informed on Saturday evening.
Documentation of Khamenei’s body was reportedly shown to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
US President Donald Trump said in a social media post that he also believed Khamenei was killed on Saturday.
In a televised address on Saturday evening, Netanyahu said there were “growing indications” that Khamenei was killed, but did not provide additional details.
Khamenei has ruled the Islamic Republic of Iran since 1989, previously serving as president under Ruhollah Khomeini’s regime from 1981 until his ascension to the supreme leader. He was 86 years old.
Earlier on Saturday, Iranian officials promised to release a recording from Khamenei soon after Israeli strikes targeted his Tehran compound. The preliminary assessment among Israeli officials was that Khamenei was hurt in the strike.
No official confirmation has been received by Israeli, American, or Iranian sources.
The target of several assassination attempts
Khamenei has been the target of several assassination attempts since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Most notably, on June 27, 1981, a bomb exploded during a speech at a mosque in Tehran, severely injuring him and permanently paralysing his right arm.
He had six children, one of whom, Mojtaba, has been touted in recent years as a possible successor as supreme leader.
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