Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei Killed in U.S-Israel Attacks

In what could prove to be a massive turning point for the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said “there are many signs” that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed.

Speaking hours after Israel and the US carried out attacks in several parts of Iran, including Tehran, the Israeli Prime Minister 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.”

The Prime Minister also asserted that the attack by the two countries on Iran will last “as long as necessary”.

Earlier in the day, Israel’s Channel 12, citing unnamed Israeli sources, said there were “growing indications” that the 86-year-old leader had been killed.

Asked about the report by Channel 12 and other Israeli outlets later, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi told NBC News in an interview that Khamenei was still alive, adding an important caveat: “As far as I know”.

Speaking to ABC News, however, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei insisted that the Ayatollah was “safe and sound”.

“I can assure you the system is working because it is very sophisticated and based on a popular revolution. So, it is not a one-man ruler. Everything is being done in accordance with our plans. Our armed forces are conducting their defensive action against this act of aggression,” he said.

The joint Israel-US attack on Iran began on Saturday morning, and some of the first strikes hit areas around the offices of Khamenei, who had reportedly already been moved to a secure location.

A satellite photo put out by the New York Times showed damage to Khamenei’s compound in Tehran, which also serves as his official residence.

Source: Newstimes