Iran’s Supreme Leader for decades Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was a central figure in the country’s political and religious leadership, had been killed.
Iran State television confirmed his death, without referring to reports of a massive US and Israeli attack on his residence.
A presenter announced Khamenei’s death at 5:00 am (0130 GMT), as the channel broadcast archive images with a black banner as a sign of mourning.
Another broadcast by the state television announced a 40-day mourning period and seven public holidays in his honour.
“With the martyrdom of the supreme leader, his path and mission neither will be lost nor will be forgotten; on the other hand, they will be pursued with greater vigour and zeal,” a presenter said.
Khamenei, 86, had been Iran’s supreme leader since 1989.
US President Donald Trump had on Saturday said that Khamenei had been killed in air strikes, though there had been no independent confirmation from Tehran at the time of the statement.
(Photo: AFP)