Israeli media are reporting what they describe as “growing indications” that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, may have been killed during the first wave of joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.
According to Channel 12, unnamed Israeli sources said there were “growing indications” that Khamenei was either killed in Saturday morning’s strikes or “hurt at the very least.”
There has been no official confirmation from Iran regarding Khamenei’s status.
Khamenei has not been heard from publicly since the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes across multiple Iranian cities early Saturday.
Israeli officials previously said the strikes caused “very significant harm” to senior Iranian leadership and military commanders.
Reports indicate that the initial wave of strikes targeted areas near Khamenei’s offices in Tehran.
An Israeli official said the results remain unclear. Earlier reports had suggested Khamenei may have been moved from Tehran to a secure location before or during the attack.
Israeli sources also claimed President Donald Trump specifically targeted Iran’s supreme leader in the first wave of missile strikes conducted jointly with Israel.
Aerial images circulating online appear to show significant destruction to structures associated with Khamenei’s compound in Tehran. Israeli outlets reported that both his palace and the surrounding compound were destroyed.
Video footage from Tehran showed smoke rising above the area believed to house Khamenei’s official residence.
In one clip, voices from a nearby rooftop can be heard reacting as explosions struck the compound.
The strikes were part of what President Trump described as “major combat operations” under a campaign referred to as “Operation Epic Fury.”
In a statement on Truth Social, President Trump warned Iranian military and security forces to “lay down your weapons” and said they would receive “complete immunity,” or “face certain death.”
Iran responded by launching missile strikes targeting locations in Israel, including Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem.
Iran’s military also declared that U.S. bases, resources and assets in the region were “legitimate targets.”
Reports indicated that Iran struck the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, with footage showing smoke rising after an explosion, per the Daily Mail.
Additional Iranian strikes reportedly targeted Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and areas in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Explosions were also reported in Dubai and Syria. Jordan said it intercepted two ballistic missiles.
Israeli sources also claimed that General Mohammad Pakpour, described as the head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, may have been killed.
Khamenei, 86, has served as Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
He holds ultimate authority over Iran’s military, judiciary and executive branches.
Iranian officials have not confirmed reports of his death, and no independent verification has been provided.
