Web Desk: Iran’s government announced that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been martyred, according to an official statement carried by state media.
Authorities said Khamenei died in his office while overseeing operations from a wartime control room. The announcement did not provide further details about the circumstances of the killing.
Iran’s National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani said the country will establish an interim leadership council today as a temporary step before naming a successor to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Larijani, speaking on state media, also issued a defiant message toward the United States and what he called the “Zionist regime,” saying their actions had “burned the heart of the Iranian nation” and vowing that “we will burn their hearts as well.” The comments underscore rising tensions as Iran navigates an unprecedented transition of power.
Under Iran’s constitution, a three-member committee drawn from the Guardian Council is required to oversee the appointment of a new Supreme Leader. Officials said the process would begin immediately.
State media reported that Khamenei had named Larijani in his will as a designated successor.
Authorities also said Mojtaba Khamenei, previously identified as another potential successor, was killed earlier the same day. In addition, Khamenei’s daughter and grandson were reported killed, though officials did not release further details.
The government declared 40 days of national mourning and announced seven days of public holidays.
In Islamabad, staff at the Iranian Embassy placed the word “martyr” beneath Khamenei’s photograph in a public display, signaling official recognition of his death.
Meanwhile, security measures were heightened across major cities as officials urged calm and unity. Further announcements regarding funeral arrangements and the leadership transition are expected in the coming days.
