- By News Desk
- Sun, 01 Mar 2026 01:24 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday claimed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes carried out by Israel and the United States.
In a nationally televised address, Netanyahu said the strikes had targeted the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "There are growing signs that the tyrant is no longer alive," Netanyahu said. Netanyahu also called on Iranians to "take to the streets and finish the job".
Meanwhile, news agency Reuters quoted a senior Israeli official as saying that Khamenei's body has been found.
Earlier, Iran's Al-Alam television has said Khamenei would speak, but no such speech was aired by late on Saturday.
The United States and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday, targeting its top leaders and calling for the overthrow of its government, while Iran responded with missiles fired at Israel and neighbouring Gulf countries.
President Donald Trump, who in the biggest foreign-policy gamble of his presidency launched the war against a foe Washington has jousted with for generations, said the strikes were aimed at ending a security threat and ensuring Iran could not develop a nuclear weapon.
He called on Iranian security forces to lay down their weapons and invited Iranians to topple their government once the bombing ended.
Iran called the strikes unprovoked and illegal and responded with missiles fired at Israel and at least seven other countries, including Gulf states that host US bases.
In cities across Iran, explosions caused widespread panic. Residents rushed to collect children from school and flee areas that might be targeted.
(With inputs from agencies)