Trump Declares Death of ‘Malevolent’ Iran Leader Khamenei After US-Israeli Strikes

President Donald Trump confirmed the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, after a series of coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel targeted his compound.

“Khamenei, one of the most malevolent figures in history, is dead,” Trump posted on Truth Social Saturday afternoon. He added, “This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to reclaim their country.”

The announcement followed reports from an Israeli government source indicating that Khamenei was killed during an aerial assault that obliterated his residence.

Hours prior, the U.S. and Israel had initiated a significant bombardment of Iran, focusing on key government and military installations in Tehran. This operation came after weeks of U.S. military asset deployments to the region.

Trump defended the unexpected strikes as crucial for dismantling Iran's nuclear ambitions, marking a second major U.S. offensive against the nation since airstrikes on nuclear facilities in June 2025.

He stated that “heavy and precise bombing” would persist “uninterrupted” throughout the week and possibly beyond.

Footage from Tehran depicted smoke rising from devastated buildings on Saturday, with state media reporting over 200 fatalities, including many at an elementary school near the Strait of Hormuz.

In retaliation, Iran launched missile attacks targeting U.S. and Israeli bases across the region, including locations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, escalating tensions further. The U.S. military has not reported any casualties thus far.

The early-morning military operation, dubbed “Epic Fury,” elicited polarized responses from lawmakers.

Democrats criticized the 79-year-old president for potentially dragging the U.S. into another foreign conflict without congressional approval, violating his campaign pledge to prioritize American interests.

“Trump has initiated an illegal regime change war in Iran with American lives at stake,” Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, stated on X. He urged Congress to vote on a war powers resolution to limit further military actions, with discussions expected in both the House and Senate soon.

Conversely, several Republicans hailed the strikes as a necessary measure to protect U.S. national security and undermine Iran's oppressive regime.

“The end of the largest state sponsor of terrorism is upon us,” declared Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina. “This operation is necessary and long overdue.”

Public sentiment appears to lean against military action in Iran; recent YouGov surveys indicate that most Americans believe Trump should have sought congressional approval before proceeding.

In response to the strikes, leaders from France, Germany, and the U.K. released a joint statement clarifying their non-involvement in the attacks while urging Iran to pursue a “negotiated solution.” Meanwhile, officials from China and Russia condemned the military actions, with Russia's Foreign Affairs Ministry labeling it “a premeditated and unprovoked act of armed aggression.”

This story is still developing...