TEHRAN, Sunday, March 1, 2026 (WNP): Iranian state television on Sunday announced the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, saying he was killed in a reported U.S.-Israeli strike earlier in the day.

The announcement, carried by state-run broadcasters and later confirmed by Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency and Tasnim News Agency, stated that Ayatollah Khamenei was killed at his office in Tehran while “performing his assigned duties” in the early hours of Saturday.

The Iranian government declared 40 days of public mourning and announced a seven-day nationwide public holiday, signaling the profound political and religious significance of the development in the Islamic Republic.

Within hours of the announcement, thousands of Iranians gathered in public squares and religious sites across the country.

In Tehran, crowds assembled at Enghelab Square, also known as Revolution Square, chanting religious slogans and expressing grief over the “martyrdom” of the Supreme Leader.

Emotional scenes were also reported from the holy city of Mashhad, where worshippers broke down in tears at the Imam Reza Shrine, one of the most sacred sites in Shia Islam. Video footage broadcast by Iranian channels showed mourners holding portraits of Khamenei and reciting prayers.

State media described the atmosphere as one of “national sorrow and unity,” while security forces maintained a visible presence in major cities amid heightened tensions.

The reported killing follows a massive U.S.-Israeli military campaign targeting key sites in Iran, an operation aimed at dismantling Tehran’s strategic capabilities.

U.S. President Donald Trump had earlier claimed that Khamenei was killed in the strikes, a statement that Iranian officials had initially denied before Saturday’s confirmation.

The death of Iran’s Supreme Leader marks an unprecedented moment in the country’s modern history. Ayatollah Khamenei, who assumed leadership in 1989 following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, wielded ultimate authority over Iran’s political, military and religious institutions for more than three decades.

Under Iran’s constitutional framework, the Assembly of Experts is responsible for appointing a new Supreme Leader. However, the process and potential succession scenarios remain unclear amid escalating hostilities and regional instability.

The development dramatically heightens concerns of broader conflict across the Middle East. Iran has already launched retaliatory strikes against U.S. and Israeli targets in the region, while global leaders have urged restraint to prevent further escalation.

International markets reacted with volatility, particularly in energy sectors, as fears mounted over potential disruptions to oil shipments through critical waterways.

As Iran enters an official mourning period, the political transition in Tehran — combined with ongoing military confrontation — is expected to reshape the regional landscape in profound and unpredictable ways.

The situation remains fluid, with further official statements anticipated from Iranian authorities and international actors in the coming hours.