Israeli Official Claims IDF Strike Killed Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei
An Israeli official has reportedly confirmed to local media that an Israel Defense Forces strike resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The statement was made on Saturday night, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Details of the Reported Incident
According to reports, Khamenei's body was recovered from the rubble of his compound in Tehran after it was targeted during the initial phase of Operation Roaring Lion. The body was described as being riddled with shrapnel, indicating the intensity of the strike.
Documentation supporting this assessment is said to be in Israel's possession and has been presented to the prime minister and senior members of the security establishment. This information adds credibility to the claims made by the Israeli official.
Satellite Imagery and Visual Evidence
Satellite images published earlier on Saturday by The New York Times reveal extensive destruction at Khamenei's compound. The images show collapsed structures and a large plume of black smoke rising from the fortified complex, which serves as both his primary residence and a site for meetings with senior regime officials.
Videos verified by The New York Times depict strikes in an area of Tehran housing the presidential palace and Iran's National Security Council, among other important government buildings. Another video shows a strike near the Ministry of Intelligence, suggesting a coordinated attack on multiple key locations.
Official Responses and Broader Context
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei told the BBC on Saturday night that he was not in a position to confirm anything regarding the strike targeting the country's senior leadership. This statement reflects the uncertainty and tension surrounding the event.
The United States and Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran on Saturday morning, following months of confrontation across multiple fronts. Repeated warnings by Washington and Jerusalem had indicated that Tehran's military and nuclear infrastructure could become direct targets if hostilities intensified.
According to three Israeli security officials familiar with the operations, a central objective of the first joint wave of strikes was to hit as many leaders as possible. Israeli officials expected the assault to last several days, indicating a prolonged military engagement.
An Israeli official confirmed that several senior Iranian leaders were targeted in the strikes carried out by the IDF. This suggests a strategic effort to destabilize the Iranian leadership structure through coordinated military action.
