Iran Confirms Death of Supreme Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Military Tension Escalates Across Gulf States
The Middle East has been plunged into deeper crisis following confirmation by Iranian state media that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed, prompting Tehran to launch a sweeping wave of missile and drone strikes across Israel and several Gulf states.
Iran Targets Israel, Gulf Cities and US Bases
In retaliation for the killing of Khamenei, who had ruled Iran since 1989, Iranian forces on Sunday fired missiles and deployed drones targeting Israel, US military bases, and strategic sites in the Gulf.
Air raid sirens sounded across central Israel and parts of the occupied West Bank, while explosions were reported in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Israel’s military said it was working to intercept incoming threats, and emergency services reported no immediate casualties.
Blasts were also heard in Doha, Dubai and Manama, with debris from intercepted drones reportedly injuring two people in Dubai. Loud explosions were reported near Erbil International Airport in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, which hosts US-led coalition troops.
Iran’s army said it had struck US bases in the Gulf and in Iraq’s Kurdistan region in what it described as phased operations.
Casualties and Senior Officials Killed
Iranian state television announced the deaths of several senior military figures, including armed forces chief of staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, defence minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, Revolutionary Guards chief Mohammad Pakpour, and defence council head Ali Shamkhani. They were reportedly killed during a defence council meeting targeted in Saturday’s strikes.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said at least 133 civilians were killed and 200 injured in US-Israeli strikes across 18 Iranian provinces.
Trump, Netanyahu and Tehran Trade Warnings
US President Donald Trump described Khamenei’s death as “justice for the people of Iran” and urged Iranians to “take back their country.” In a separate social media post, Trump warned Tehran against retaliation, threatening a response “never seen before” if US interests were targeted.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly detailed the operation but has previously defended military action against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, accused Washington and Tel Aviv of crossing “red lines” and warned they would “suffer the consequences.” Meanwhile, Ali Larijani, Iran’s top national security adviser, cautioned so-called “secessionist groups” against exploiting the situation, pledging a firm response to any internal destabilisation.
Protests, Mourning and Regional Unrest
Thousands gathered in central Tehran’s Enqelab Square to mourn Khamenei, many dressed in black and carrying his portraits. State media announced 40 days of public mourning and seven days of national holidays.
However, reactions within Iran appeared mixed, with some reports indicating isolated celebrations in parts of the country.
Beyond Iran’s borders, unrest spread quickly. In Pakistan’s port city of Karachi, protesters attempted to storm the US consulate. Rescue officials said eight people were killed and at least 20 injured during clashes with security forces.
In Iraq, hundreds tried to breach Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone, home to the US embassy, while pro-Iran armed groups vowed retaliation. The Iraqi government declared three days of mourning.
Demonstrations were also held in Indian-administered Kashmir, where thousands of Shia Muslims gathered in Srinagar to condemn the killing and express solidarity with Iran.
International Response and Nuclear Concerns
The International Atomic Energy Agency announced it would convene an extraordinary meeting of its board at Russia’s request to address the US-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory. The strikes were described by Washington as a response to Iran’s alleged efforts to rebuild its nuclear programme.
Meanwhile, major global shipping companies suspended navigation through the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, citing security concerns as fears grow of a wider regional war.
With missile exchanges ongoing and diplomatic channels strained, the region faces its most volatile moment in decades, as global powers brace for the next phase of an increasingly unpredictable conflict.
By PRNigeria
