Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the “heaviest offensive operations in the history of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will begin shortly toward the occupied lands and bases of the American terrorists,” following confirmation that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes.
The warning was issued shortly after Iran’s state media confirmed that Khamenei had been killed on Saturday in a joint US-Israel attack on Tehran.
In a statement, the Iranian government said, “this great crime will never remain unanswered and will turn a new page in the history of the Islamic world.”
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) said the joint US-Israeli attacks would “begin a massive uprising in fighting the world’s oppressors.” The SNSC, which coordinates Iran’s national defence and security strategies, added that Iran and its allies would be “more resilient and determined.”
Iranian state media reported that Khamenei was killed in his compound in central Tehran. Fars News Agency said he was killed “in his office in the household of the leader” while “carrying out his duties” early on Saturday.
Satellite images from Airbus showed black smoke rising from the compound after the attack. The images indicated that several buildings within the complex were severely damaged. The compound is located near Tehran University and functions as a decision-making centre for Iran’s theocratic leadership.
US President Donald Trump said the military operation would continue with heavy bombing throughout the week. Trump indicated that the operation was aimed at overturning Tehran’s government.
According to Iranian state media, one strike killed scores of students at an elementary school in southern Iran.
Iran subsequently launched strikes on US military bases, Israel and other targets across the Middle East, according to Iranian authorities. The US military said it had reported no combat-related American casualties.
The escalation follows coordinated US-Israel strikes that began early Saturday. Trump earlier confirmed that “major combat operations in Iran” had commenced.
Khamenei had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989 and was the country’s highest political and religious authority, with control over the armed forces and oversight of key state institutions.
The United Arab Emirates described the developments as a “historic moment” in the Middle East and said global leaders had failed to ensure regional stability.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.
