WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Saturday that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead following U.S.-Israeli strikes, as Iranian state-linked outlets and officials disputed the claim and said Khamenei remained in command.
Trump, in a social media post, hailed Khamenei’s reported death and urged Iranians to seize what he called a chance to reclaim their country, while vowing continued U.S. bombing until Washington’s objectives are met.
A senior Israeli official told Reuters that Khamenei was killed and that his body had been found after a strike, but Iran had not issued a definitive public confirmation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were strong indications that Khamenei “is no longer” following the attacks.
Iranian news agencies Tasnim and Mehr reported that Khamenei was “steadfast and firm in commanding the field,” contradicting U.S. and Israeli claims.
The strikes mark a major escalation in the confrontation between Iran and Israel, with the United States joining the campaign. The White House and major news outlets have reported that Khamenei was killed, while noting conflicting statements from Iran.
Be the first to comment