Tehran, March 1 : Iran’s state-affiliated broadcaster Press TV aired an emotional announcement confirming the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with a presenter visibly struggling to hold back tears while delivering the breaking news.
The network described Khamenei’s death as “martyrdom,” reporting that he was killed in what Iranian authorities characterized as an assassination following joint strikes by the United States and Israel. The anchor paused repeatedly during the broadcast, referring to him as the “Leader of the Islamic Revolution” and confirming the reports on air.
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, accusing Washington and Tel Aviv of violating international law and the United Nations Charter. In a strongly worded statement carried by state media, officials warned that the killing “will not go unpunished.”
A senior Iranian official told Al Jazeera that “all American and Israeli assets and interests in the region have become legitimate targets,” signaling potential escalation. Iranian authorities framed Khamenei’s death as a national tragedy and an act of aggression that demands a forceful response.
The government has declared 40 days of public mourning, a period that holds profound religious significance in Shia Islam, where the 40th day after death — known as Arba’een — marks a major moment of remembrance.
Flags across the country have been lowered to half-mast, and official ceremonies are being organized nationwide. Security has been tightened in major cities, particularly in Tehran, where crowds gathered at Enghelab Square holding portraits and chanting slogans in tribute.
Press TV also aired footage from the Imam Hussein Shrine in Karbala, where pilgrims were seen reacting with grief upon hearing the news.
Khamenei, who succeeded Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, led Iran for 37 years, overseeing major political, military and regional developments. His leadership was marked by firm opposition to Western influence and consolidation of the Islamic Republic’s clerical authority.
His official Farsi account on X acknowledged his death early Sunday by posting a Quranic verse from Surah Al-Ahzab (33:23), referencing believers who fulfilled their covenant with God.
Attention is now turning to the succession process, as Iran’s clerical establishment prepares to select a new Supreme Leader at a time of heightened regional conflict. Analysts note that the transition may prove complex, particularly amid ongoing military tensions and calls for retaliation.
With regional hostilities already escalating, the coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether the crisis deepens further or diplomatic efforts can contain it.
