Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top officials were killed in a joint United States and Israeli strike, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA. The attack occurred early Sunday, resulting in the deaths of Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law, and grandson, along with senior figures including Ali Shamkhani, Abdur Rahim Mousavi, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, and IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour.

President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the killing as a direct declaration of war against the Muslim world, particularly the Shia community. He described Khamenei’s death as the greatest test facing the Islamic world. IRNA confirmed the deaths of several influential figures close to Khamenei, including Shamkhani, who had recently overseen nuclear program talks with the US.

The deaths of Mousavi, Nasirzadeh, and Pakpour mark a major blow to Iran’s military leadership. The report noted that Mousavi had been instrumental in Iran’s missile and drone programs, while Nasirzadeh and Pakpour were key defense figures. The incident is expected to have significant repercussions for Iran’s political and military stability.