Iranian state media reported during the early hours of Sunday that the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in his office, prompting the declaration of 40 days of official mourning across the nation. This announcement came alongside claims that Khamenei's daughter, grandson, and two other relatives had also died as a result of attacks attributed to Israel and the United States. The news has profound implications for the political landscape in Iran, where Khamenei's leadership has been pivotal since the 1979 revolution.

In a separate announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed Khamenei's death via a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. He stated that the Iranian leader could not hide from the intelligence operations that cooperated closely with Israel. Trump described the moment as a pivotal opportunity for the Iranian people to reclaim their country and expressed hopes that the Iran Revolutionary Guards and security forces would collaborate with patriotic Iranians to restore greatness to their nation. He also indicated that attacks on Iran would continue throughout the week in pursuit of peace in the Middle East.

The reactions within Iran have been mixed, with many citizens reportedly celebrating the news, with footage showing scenes of jubilation from Tehran and other cities. Men and women were seen dancing, honking horns, firing fireworks, and engaging in public celebrations. The outpouring of both joy and mourning illustrates the significant divide within the Iranian populace regarding Khamenei's controversial regime, which has faced increasing domestic and international challenges over recent years, potentially indicating a turning point in Iranian politics as the nation faces an uncertain future without its long-standing leader.