Khamenei assassinated, Trump claims major victory as tensions escalate
Washington/Tehran: In a dramatic and highly controversial development that could reshape geopolitics in the Middle East, former US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been assassinated.
Trump made the explosive announcement through his social media platform Truth Social, calling Khamenei “one of the most brutal figures in modern history.”
According to Trump, the killing of Khamenei represents not just a victory for the Iranian people but also justice for Americans and others around the world who were allegedly harmed under his leadership.
“This is not only a triumph for the people of Iran, but also justice for brave Americans and global citizens who suffered at the hands of Khamenei and his regime,” Trump wrote.
Trump further claimed that advanced US intelligence capabilities and tracking systems ensured that Khamenei could not escape. He said the operation involved close coordination with Israel, though he did not provide specific operational details.
The former president suggested that Iran’s military and security forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), were no longer willing to resist and were seeking protection in the aftermath of the strike.
Iranian media outlets, including the state-linked Fars News Agency, also reported that Khamenei, aged 86, was killed during a major joint military operation allegedly conducted by the United States and Israel.
Reports claim that members of his family, including his daughter, granddaughter, and son-in-law, were also killed in the same operation. The strike reportedly took place under a US military campaign referred to as “Operation Epic Fury,” which targeted key Iranian leadership and strategic assets.
The reported assassination comes amid heightened tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel over Iran’s nuclear programme. Iran had reportedly refused to comply with international demands regarding nuclear agreements, prompting military escalation.
Trump indicated that the strikes were part of a broader mission aimed at dismantling Iran’s leadership structure and weakening its military capabilities.
He also warned that military operations would continue until what he described as “peace and stability” are restored in the Middle East. “Precision and heavy bombing operations will continue throughout the week or as long as necessary to achieve our objective,” Trump stated, signalling a potentially prolonged conflict.
The reported killing of Khamenei has already sparked unrest in parts of Iran, with protests breaking out and fears of wider regional escalation growing. Analysts warn that the development could trigger retaliatory attacks, destabilise the region further, and impact global oil markets and international security.
However, independent international confirmation of Khamenei’s death remains limited, and global leaders are closely monitoring the situation. The incident marks one of the most significant and potentially destabilising moments in recent Middle Eastern history, with far-reaching implications for international diplomacy and security.
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