Forty days of mourning announced in Iran as Ayatollah Khamenei killed after US-Israeli strikes hit Iran’s leadership

WEB DESK: Following speculations since the evening of February 28 when Iran was attacked by US and Israel, the State Media has now confirmed that the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in coordinated US and Israeli air strikes. His death has marked one of the most consequential escalations in Middle East tensions in decades. AFP quoted the Iranian media saying that a mourning period of 40-days has been announced with seven public holidays as well.

US President Donald Trump had earlier stated on Truth Social as well that Khamenei had been killed.

Khamenei, 86, who had led Iran since 1989 and held ultimate authority over its military and state institutions, was reportedly targeted in strikes that hit multiple locations across Tehran, including areas near his compound. A senior Israeli official earlier told Reuters that his body had been recovered following the attack. US President Donald Trump said Washington had worked closely with Israel, adding that intelligence systems had tracked Khamenei’s movements.

The operation, described by Israel as its largest aerial campaign against Iran — reportedly involved around 200 fighter jets striking hundreds of targets, including missile systems and senior command structures. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Khamenei’s compound was destroyed.

Iran condemned the strikes as illegal and unprovoked, launching retaliatory missile and drone attacks toward Israel and several Gulf states hosting US bases. Missiles were reported over Tel Aviv, while Gulf states including the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain activated air defences. The Pentagon said there were no reported US casualties.

Several senior Iranian officials were also reported killed, including Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammad Pakpour. Iranian media also cited casualties among other senior advisers and military commanders.

Explosions across Iranian cities caused widespread panic, with residents describing scenes of fear and uncertainty. At the same time, some gatherings were reported in parts of Tehran following confirmation of Khamenei’s death, though videos circulating online could not be independently verified.

Oil markets braced for volatility after Iran warned that the Strait of Hormuz — a vital global energy corridor — could be closed. Analysts said prices could surge sharply if the conflict intensifies.

The strikes come amid stalled nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Trump said the campaign aimed to eliminate what he described as imminent threats and reiterated calls for Iranians to take control of their government. Critics in Congress and at the United Nations questioned the legality and timing of the operation, urging an immediate ceasefire.

With missiles still being exchanged and diplomatic channels strained, fears are mounting that the conflict could widen into a broader regional war.