Iran latest: Supreme leader ‘safe and sound’, spokesman tells Sky – but Netanyahu claims there ‘signs’ he is dead
Iran Latest: Supreme Leader ‘Safe and Sound’, Spokesman Tells Sky – But Netanyahu Claims There ‘Signs’ He Is Dead
Israel and the United States executed targeted strikes against key Iranian figures, sparking immediate retaliation with missile attacks on Israeli and US military installations. The escalating tensions have created ripples across regional allies, intensifying the already volatile situation. Stay updated as developments unfold.
Uncertainty Surrounds Khamenei’s Status
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the condition of Iran’s top spiritual leader. While an Israeli official hinted at his death, stating the body was discovered, Iranian state media has pushed back, asserting that the supreme leader and president Masoud Pezeshkian are both alive and unharmed.
“They are all safe and sound,” said Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, during a statement to Sky News.
“As far as I know, Khamenei and the president are alive,” added Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, in remarks shared with NBC News.
Despite these claims, satellite images reveal heavy smoke and significant damage at Khamenei’s residence in Tehran. At least four structures were hit, fueling speculation about the leader’s fate. Earlier, there were whispers that Khamenei was preparing a public address, but the culture ministry dismissed those as false.
An Israeli source, speaking to Reuters, confirmed the supreme leader was among the casualties, though Iran’s official response contradicts this, labeling it as “mental warfare.” The Iranian government’s stance has been consistent, with state media emphasizing the leader’s continued presence in the capital.
Netanyahu’s Claims and Strategic Implications
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the strikes as a deliberate move targeting Khamenei’s compound, suggesting the attack was a calculated effort to destabilize Iran’s leadership. He warned of “growing signs” that the supreme leader is no longer among the living.
“There are growing signs that Khamenei is no longer around,” Netanyahu stated in a televised address.
Netanyahu framed the operation as part of a broader campaign for regime transformation, not just a nuclear threat. He declared that Israel’s military efforts would persist “as long as it is needed,” aiming to achieve “true peace” by dismantling Iran’s leadership structure.
“Such a murderous regime should not have nuclear weapons that can continue threatening the entire humankind,” he said, praising the Iranian people for their resilience against the regime.
Netanyahu also emphasized the urgency of action, urging global leaders to seize the opportunity to dismantle the Iranian system. His remarks highlighted the strategic goal of removing a key pillar of the country’s political framework.
International Reactions and Fallout
Following the strikes, the White House confirmed that President Donald Trump had engaged with leaders in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and NATO’s chief, Mark Rutte. Trump suggested the conflict could be resolved swiftly, claiming Iran had “come close” to a deal before withdrawing from negotiations in Geneva.
“I can go long and take over the whole thing or end it in two or three days,” Trump remarked, according to Axios.
He argued that the Iranian leadership had “not really wanted a deal,” reinforcing the narrative that the strikes were a necessary step to curb nuclear ambitions. The global response to the conflict has been swift, with attacks on military facilities in Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE reported as Iran’s retaliation.
