WEB DESK: Israeli officials have suggested that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, may have been killed during coordinated U.S.–Israeli strikes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were “many signs” that Khamenei was no longer alive, claiming Israeli forces had destroyed his compound and eliminated senior regime officials.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the operation as “very powerful” and indicated reports of Khamenei’s death appeared credible.
However, Iranian authorities strongly denied the claims. State-affiliated media reported that Khamenei is alive and personally directing military operations. Tehran dismissed Israeli statements as psychological warfare.
Heavy Casualties Reported
Iran’s Red Crescent reported that at least 201 people were killed and 747 wounded in strikes affecting 24 provinces. Separately, Iranian state television said a missile strike on a girls’ elementary school in Minab killed 51 students and injured 60 others.
Reuters cited sources claiming Iran’s Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour were among those killed, though Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed those reports.
Iranian Retaliation and Regional Impact
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched what it described as a first wave of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel. Israeli air raid sirens sounded nationwide as defense systems were activated.
In a significant regional development, Dubai International Airport sustained minor damage during what authorities described as an “incident” following Iranian missile activity. Four staff members were reported injured, though operations were largely maintained due to contingency planning.
International Reaction
The United Nations Security Council scheduled an emergency session to address the crisis, following requests from France and Bahrain.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the escalation and called for an immediate ceasefire, warning that continued hostilities threaten international peace and security.
China’s foreign ministry urged restraint, calling for an “immediate halt” to military action and a return to dialogue. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi also expressed concern, stating that diplomatic negotiations had been undermined.
Political Reactions Inside Israel
Arab-Israeli opposition lawmaker Ayman Odeh criticized Netanyahu’s government, accusing it of steering the country toward perpetual conflict. He argued that military action is not the only path forward and advocated for a regional diplomatic solution.
Other opposition figures, however, were more restrained in their criticism, with some expressing support for the joint U.S.–Israeli operation.
The situation remains fluid, with sharply conflicting narratives emerging from Israeli and Iranian officials. Independent verification of key claims particularly regarding Khamenei’s status has not yet been confirmed.
