BREAKING: Israel Says Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Killed, Body Found

Tehran: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the architect of the country's anti-US stance, has reportedly been killed in a joint Israeli-US operation, according to a senior Israeli official. The confirmation of the reports by an Israeli official comes amidst looming uncertainty about Khamenei's safety following the massive US-Israeli invasion of Iran. The strike has escalated tensions across the Middle East, with the Iranian soldiers launching a massive missile barrage on the US military bases in neighbouring countries, including Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and others. 

According to Reuters, a senior Israeli official stated that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who extended its military influence across the Middle East while crushing repeated domestic unrest, was killed in Israeli and US strikes. A senior Israeli official claimed that Khamenei’s body was recovered from the debris during the search operation. The strikes, which were part of ‘Operation Epic Fury’, targeted the top Iranian leaders and military officials, intending to degrade Iran's nuclear capabilities and military strength.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated there were many signs indicating Khamenei's death, without providing concrete evidence. The claims were made following the Israeli military precision attack that destroyed Khamenei's residential compound. The Revolutionary Guard commanders and senior nuclear officials were also targeted in the attack.

Iran, however, has not issued any official statement confirming these claims. Earlier, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had stated that Khamenei was alive, saying "as far as I know". The Iranian government has retaliated with missile strikes on US and Israeli targets, escalating tensions in the region.

Amidst the ongoing offensives in the Middle East, the situation appears to be uncertain, with global markets reacting to the possible disruption of oil supplies. 

Iran's Future In Uncertain State

The 85-year-old, Ayatollah Khamenei, had ruled Iran with an iron fist since 1989. His leadership had extended Iran's military influence across the region, with proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. The news of his death has left Tehran in a state of uncertainty, with the country reeling from the sudden loss of its leader.

Khamenei's tenure witnessed defiance against Western powers, particularly the US. He had vowed to resist US pressure, backing various groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. His death is seen as a major blow to Iran's regional ambitions and a massive victory for Israel and the US.

Khamenei’s Rise To Power

The 86-year-old Ayatollah Khamenei has been Iran's highest authority since 1989, following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic.

Khamenei was born in 1939 in Iran’s Mashhad and pursued clerical studies in Qom. He joined Ayatollah Khomeini's movement against the Shah of Iran in 1962 and served as president from 1981 to 1989, steering Iran through the Iran-Iraq War.

Khamenei’s Supreme Leadership And Nuclear Stance

As Supreme Leader, Khamenei held ultimate control over Iran's political, military, and religious institutions, shaping domestic policy and guiding foreign relations. He upheld the conservative vision of his predecessor, quashing ambitions of elected presidents seeking more open policies.

Khamenei was known for his anti-US stance, backing militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. He viewed liberal democracy and capitalism as flawed and saw the West as materialistic and Islamophobic. Regarding Iran's nuclear program, Khamenei claimed the country didn't seek nuclear weapons, but insisted on Iran's right to uranium enrichment.

Khamenei’s Legacy And Domestic Policy

Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei's rule saw repression of dissent and protests. He stacked government positions with loyalists, making it difficult for moderates or reformists to gain influence.

His leadership extended Iran's influence across the Middle East, fueling conflicts and proxy wars. His death or survival will have a huge impact on Iran's future and regional stability.

Further details regarding the reports of Khamenei's death are awaited.