President Donald Trump announced Saturday that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead following coordinated U.S. and Israeli military strikes — a development that could mark a seismic turning point in Iran’s political future and the broader Middle East.
The statement came roughly an hour after multiple news outlets reported that U.S. and Israeli officials believed Khamenei had been killed in a strike targeting his compound as part of a joint military operation.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead.”
He continued:
“This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS.”
Intelligence and Military Coordination
Trump said Khamenei had been unable to evade U.S. and Israeli surveillance.
“Khamenei had been unable to ‘avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do.’”
While Trump stopped short of declaring immediate regime change in Tehran, he framed the moment as a historic opportunity for the Iranian people.
“This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us,”
he said, referencing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.
He added:
“Hopefully, the IRGC and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots, and work together as a unit to bring back the Country to the Greatness it deserves.”
Bombing Campaign to Continue
Trump also made clear that military operations are ongoing.
“The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!”
Earlier in the day, during an interview with NBC News, Trump said of reports about Khamenei’s death:
“We feel that is a correct story.”
Israeli Leadership Signals Same Outcome
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also indicated that Khamenei had likely been killed after Israeli strikes targeted his compound.
“There are growing signs that the tyrant is no longer alive,” Netanyahu said in a national address.
Uncertain Future for Iran
Khamenei had ruled Iran since 1989, wielding sweeping authority over the nation’s military, judiciary, and security services.
His death would leave a leadership vacuum at the top of Iran’s political system. It remains unclear who would succeed him.
Call for Uprising
In a video posted after the strikes, Trump directly urged Iranians to move against their government:
“Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take; this will be probably your only chance for generations.”
“America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny.”
