The US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which began early this weekend, have eliminated Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Throughout Saturday, Iran kept denying that Khamenei had died, until the US announced it. Iran’s state radio then disclosed that the Supreme Leader was within his office when he was struck.
Following the death, the Iranian government announced an immediate start of 40 days of mourning in honor of the deceased Ayatollah.
How Long has Ayatollah Ali Khamenei been in Office?
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was 86 at the time of his death, assumed the role in 1989, following the death of the Shi’i cleric, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Ruhollah Khomeini had assumed power in 1979, after leading a revolution against the regime of Muhammad Reza Shah Pahlavi.
President Trump Wants a Change of Regime
Meanwhile, President Trump has been encouraging Iranians to rebel against the current regime of President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging them to take back their power.