Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed the killing of the Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the US-Israeli strikes in Iran this morning. Iranian foreign minister, nonetheless, said all the leaders of Iran are alive.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the country’s top leadership remains alive following recent US-Israeli strikes. At the same time, he signaled conditional openness to de-escalation if military attacks stop. He confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian are alive. According to him, the government structure remains intact despite the attacks.
Meanwhile, The Times of Israel claimed Saturday night that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in the airstrikes this morning.
On Saturday morning, the United States launched large-scale military strikes on Iran, with President Donald Trump announcing the start of “major combat operations” early Sunday. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that US-Israeli strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader, though independent confirmation remains unavailable.
In addition, Iranian media reported widespread casualties, citing the Red Crescent. According to preliminary figures, at least 201 people have died across 24 provinces following coordinated missile and air attacks. Multiple explosions rocked Tehran, while blasts were also reported in several other cities, indicating a broad and sustained offensive.
Iran retaliates as airspace closures spread across region
However, Iran responded swiftly, launching retaliatory strikes against Israeli and US-linked targets across the Middle East. Reports suggest Iranian missiles or drones struck or targeted sites in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, underscoring the conflict’s rapid regional expansion.
Furthermore, state media in Iran said a strike on a school in the country’s south killed more than 80 people, raising concerns over civilian casualties. Authorities have not yet provided independent verification, but images circulating online show extensive damage and emergency response activity.
As tensions surged, several countries across the Middle East closed their airspace as a precaution. Airlines began rerouting flights, while governments urged citizens to remain vigilant amid fears of further escalation.
Overall, the fast-moving developments signal one of the most dangerous confrontations between Iran, Israel and the United States in recent years, with global leaders closely monitoring the situation and urging restraint.
