Netanyahu claims signs Khamenei is dead as Israel, US launch major strikes on Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday said there were “many signs” that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was dead following unprecedented strikes by Israel and the United States on the Islamic republic.
The large-scale attacks prompted Tehran to launch a missile barrage across the Middle East, sending residents running for cover in several cities. Iranian authorities urged people to evacuate Tehran, a city of about 10 million, as casualties mounted.
Iran’s Red Crescent said at least 201 people were killed and more than 700 wounded in the strikes. The Iranian judiciary said one strike on a school in the south killed 108 people, though AFP reported it could not independently verify the toll or circumstances.
In a televised statement, Netanyahu said: “This morning, in a powerful surprise strike, the compound of the tyrant Ali Khamenei was destroyed in the heart of Tehran… and there are many signs that this tyrant is no longer alive.”
Plumes of black smoke were seen rising from Tehran’s Pasteur district, where Khamenei usually resides. Israel’s Channel 12 reported that about 30 bombs were dropped on the compound.
However, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, earlier told NBC News that Khamenei was alive “as far as I know,” adding that “all high-ranking officials are alive.” Foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei also told the BBC he was “not in a situation to confirm anything,” but said the country remained focused on defending its national integrity.
The United Arab Emirates reported one civilian dead and damage in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from Iran’s retaliatory missile fire. Explosions were also heard over Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan and Kuwait as air defence systems intercepted incoming projectiles.
Netanyahu said “thousands” of targets would be struck in the coming days, while Iran’s top security officials vowed a fierce response, signalling that the confrontation could further escalate.
