World
IRAN CONFIRMS SUPREME LEADER ALI KHAMENEI KILLED IN AIRSTRIKE
Iranian authorities have confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in an airstrike, marking a historic and destabilizing moment for the region.
The Iranian government has declared 40 days of national mourning following his death.
State media reported that senior leadership convened in emergency session following confirmation of the strike.
Details regarding the exact location and timing of the airstrike have not yet been officially disclosed.
In a public statement, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed what it described as “severe” and “decisive” punishment against both the United States and Israel, holding them responsible for Khamenei’s death.
Officials characterized the airstrike as an act of aggression and warned of significant retaliation.
The statement did not outline specific measures but indicated that Iran’s response would be forthcoming.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) released a brief statement saying, “The Iranian regime was warned. CENTCOM is now delivering swift and decisive action as directed.”
U.S. officials have not publicly elaborated on operational details or the scope of ongoing military activity in the region.
The development has intensified geopolitical tensions across the Middle East. Reports indicate that Israeli and Saudi leaders had urged stronger U.S. action against Iran in recent weeks. Sources familiar with diplomatic discussions claim that Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, made multiple communications to U.S. leadership advocating for military action.
U.S. President Donald Trump was reportedly engaged in discussions regarding policy decisions related to Iran during this period, though the extent of direct involvement remains unclear.
Iranian state broadcaster Press TV aired emotional coverage following the announcement. One anchor was visibly overcome with emotion during a live broadcast upon learning of Khamenei’s death, reflecting the profound domestic impact of the event.
Khamenei, who had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, was the country’s highest political and religious authority. His death leaves significant uncertainty regarding succession and the future direction of Iran’s domestic and foreign policy.
International leaders are closely monitoring developments amid concerns about potential military escalation and broader regional instability. Further statements from Tehran, Washington, and regional governments are expected as the situation continues to unfold.
NAKHCHIVAN, Azerbaijan — Authorities in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic reported that drones launched from the territory of Iran struck locations within the region on Thursday afternoon, damaging infrastructure and injuring at least two civilians, according to an official government statement.
The incident occurred on March 5, when two unmanned aerial vehicles entered Azerbaijani airspace and crashed at separate locations within the autonomous region.
Officials said one of the drones struck the terminal building at Nakhchivan International Airport, causing structural damage to the facility.
A second drone crashed near a school building in the village of Shakarabad.
Authorities confirmed that two civilians were injured in the attacks. The extent of their injuries has not been publicly detailed, but both individuals were reported to have received medical treatment.
In an official statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani government strongly condemned what it described as drone strikes originating from Iranian territory.
“We strongly condemn these drone attacks from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in damage to the airport building and the injury of two civilians,” the statement read.
Azerbaijan said the attack on its territory violates international law and warned that such actions risk escalating tensions in an already sensitive regional environment.
“This attack on the territory of Azerbaijan is contrary to the norms and principles of international law and serves to increase tensions in the region,” the ministry said.
Following the incident, Azerbaijan summoned Mujtaba Darmichilu, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Azerbaijan, to the foreign ministry in Baku. Azerbaijani officials said a formal diplomatic protest would be delivered to the Iranian government demanding clarification regarding the incident.
The Azerbaijani government has also called on Iran to take urgent steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Officials added that Azerbaijan reserves the right to take appropriate retaliatory measures if necessary.
Authorities have not yet released additional technical details about the drones involved or whether they were armed or conducting surveillance. Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.