Trump Claims Iranian Supreme Leader ‘Is Dead’

(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump has publicly asserted that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has died. Writing on his social media platform, Trump stated, “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead.”

His remarks came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that mounting indications point to the Iranian leader’s death. According to Netanyahu, Khamenei’s residential compound was hit in a “powerful surprise attack,” and “there are many signs” that he “is no more.”

However, Iranian media outlets have reported that the supreme leader remains active and in control. Reports from state-affiliated agencies indicated that he is “steadfast and firm in commanding the field.”

At the international level, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that he is “not in the position to confirm” the claims regarding Khamenei’s status.

The statements follow a wave of hostilities between Israel, the United States, and Iran. On Saturday, Israeli and American forces carried out strikes against Iranian targets. Trump described the military action as an effort to “raze their missile industry” and naval capabilities, and said it aimed to bring about regime change in Tehran. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli positions as well as US military installations across the Middle East.

Netanyahu further declared that “thousands of targets” linked to Iran’s leadership would be eliminated in the coming days, urging Iranian citizens to mobilize against their government.

Earlier the same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an interview that Khamenei was alive. “Almost all officials are safe and sound and alive. We may have lost one or two commanders,” he said.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that West Jerusalem is pursuing efforts to eliminate senior figures within Iran’s political and security structures, according to accounts cited by reports.

MENAFN02032026000045017281ID1110807724