Iran confirmed that the 86-year-old Supreme Leader was killed when his compound was hit during the attacks.
07:58, Sun, Mar 1, 2026 Updated: 09:07, Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Iranian news anchor breaks down in tears announcing death of Ayatollah
Iranian state television has announced the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with the news delivered live on air as the country continues to respond to the joint US-Israel strikes on Tehran. Iran confirmed that the 86-year-old Supreme Leader was killed when his compound was hit during the attacks, which triggered a series of retaliatory missile launches across the Middle East overnight.
The death was read out by a state news anchor who became visibly emotional during the broadcast. In the clip, he recited a statement from Iran’s National Supreme Council and struggled to continue as he wiped away tears. The presenter said: “God is great. God is great. With deep sorrow, it is announced to the nation of Iran that Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, was martyred today in a joint criminal attack by the United States and the Zionist regime.”
Iranian new anchor crying following death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Image: Telewebion)
He went on to describe Khamenei as a religious figure whose “long dream of martyrdom became true,” before pausing and covering his face.
Voices of other staff members crying behind the camera could also be heard.
The statement confirmed a 40-day mourning period and a seven-day national holiday. Iranian state media later added: “To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.”
Iranian media reported that Khamenei’s body was found under the rubble of the Tehran compound.
Satellite images released shortly after the attack showed smoke rising from the site.
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People sob in Tehran following death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Image: Getty)
Khamenei was killed when his compound was hit during the attacks (Image: Getty)
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Iranian reports also claimed that four members of his family and two senior commanders were killed, although full details have not been independently verified.
US President Donald Trump confirmed Khamenei’s death in a post on Truth Social, calling it “justice for the people of Iran”. He said coordinated intelligence with Israel made the strike possible.
Hours after the announcement, Iran launched missiles and drones at targets in Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.
The Israeli military said dozens of missiles were fired, many of which were intercepted. Gulf states also reported explosions, sirens and falling debris.
Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes on Israel (Image: Getty)
Bahrain’s Interior Ministry warned residents: “The siren has been sounded. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.”
Iran’s Cabinet said the killing “will never go unanswered”, while the Revolutionary Guard threatened what it called its “most intense offensive operation”.
President Trump later warned Tehran not to escalate, writing: “If they do, we will hit them with a force that has never been seen before.”
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