Iranian state TV, US and Israeli officials issue sharply opposing claims as Tehran declares mourning and regional tensions spike.

Confusion has gripped the Middle East following dramatically conflicting reports over the fate of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after coordinated US–Israeli airstrikes on targets in Tehran.

Iran’s state television initially reported that the 86-year-old leader had been killed during strikes on his compound, triggering a declaration of 40 days of national mourning. The announcement sent shockwaves across the region, with reactions inside Iran ranging from street celebrations in some quarters to urgent calls for revenge from hardliners.

However, Iranian officials quickly pushed back against the reports. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Khamenei was alive “as far as I know,” casting doubt on the state TV announcement and deepening uncertainty over what truly transpired.

In Washington, US President Donald Trump fueled the controversy by publicly asserting that Khamenei was dead, describing it as “justice for the people of Iran” following the joint operation with Israel. “We feel that is a correct story,” Trump said, despite the absence of independent confirmation.

Israeli officials have also claimed that Khamenei’s body has been recovered from the targeted site, though no verifiable evidence has been released to the public.

As reports of explosions, retaliatory strikes, and heightened military alerts continue to emerge from across the region, analysts warn the situation remains highly volatile. With no definitive confirmation from Iran’s highest authorities, the fate of the Supreme Leader—and the consequences for regional stability—remain uncertain.