Khamenei's death confirmed by Iranian state media hours after Trump's claim

After US President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social that Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the air strike on Saturday (February 28), Iran's state media on Sunday (March 1) reported that Khamenei has been killed. 40 days of public mourning have also been announced in Iran after Khamenei's death, state media reported. Iran’s state-run Fars News Agency reported that the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ali Khamenei, was “martyred at his workplace in the Leader's Residence” during an attack in the early hours of Saturday morning.

According to Fars, Khamenei was at his office carrying out official duties when the strike occurred. “At the time of his martyrdom, he was performing his assigned duties and was present at his workplace (his office), and this cowardly attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning,” the agency said. The report also rejected claims by media “affiliated with the Zionist regime” and regional outlets that the Supreme Leader had been hiding in a secure location for fear of assassination. His death at his workplace, Fars said, disproved what it described as “enemy psychological warfare.” “His martyrdom at his workplace once again proved the unreality of these claims and the enemy's psychological warfare, and showed that he always stood fearlessly and courageously against arrogance among the people and in the stronghold of responsibility,” the agency reported.

Also Read: Khamenei's daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter killed as US-Israel strike Iran: State media

In a broader tribute, the statement described Khamenei as a singular leader distinguished by purity of spirit, strength of faith, leadership resourcefulness, and steadfast resistance. It said the nation mourns “the great leader” who was unique in his era for his devotion and courage.

The statement characterised his death as martyrdom “at the hands of the most evil terrorists and executioners of humanity,” calling it proof of his legitimacy and the acceptance of his service. It added that martyrdom “in the path of Islam and a great Iran is a sign of victory and approaching the goal,” asserting that his legacy would continue “with power and glory.”

The message said his death would strengthen national resolve to carry forward his path, while condemning what it called “the criminal and terrorist actions of the evil governments of America and the Zionist regime” as violations of religious, moral, and legal standards. It warned that the Iranian nation would pursue “severe, decisive, and regrettable punishment” against those held responsible.

The statement further pledged that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic, and allied mobilization forces would remain committed to defending his legacy, confronting domestic and foreign threats, and responding to aggression against the country.

It concluded with a call for unity, urging all segments of society to demonstrate national cohesion and solidarity in the face of what were described as hostile and terrorist enemies.

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