In a dramatic announcement, former President Donald Trump declared that the United States has successfully eliminated Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Trump took to Truth Social to share the news, stating, “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead.”

Ali Khamenei, who has been the spiritual and political leader of Iran since 1989, has long stood as a formidable opponent to the U.S., challenging various administrations over the decades. Under his leadership, Iran became more deeply rooted in Islamic ideologies, extending its influence through proxy groups in regions such as Yemen, Lebanon, and Gaza.

This development has significant implications for the Middle East, where Khamenei’s hardline stance often clashed with the more progressive and Western-aligned nations like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain. His policies have kept the region on edge, contributing to ongoing tensions and conflicts.

Trump elaborated on the operation, emphasizing the strategic collaboration with Israel. “This is not only justice for the people of Iran but also for all great Americans and those from many countries worldwide who have suffered at the hands of Khamenei and his band of violent thugs,” he asserted.

Highlighting the technological prowess that facilitated this mission, Trump added, “He was unable to evade our intelligence and highly sophisticated tracking systems. Together with Israel, we ensured that neither he nor the other leaders killed alongside him had any chance of escape.”

‘He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,’ the post went on. 

The president also used his announcement to call on Iranian citizens to stand up to the Islamic regime, saying it is ‘the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.’

The definitive proclamation of the supreme leader’s death comes after a day of speculation over the 86-year-old’s fate following catastrophic US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Now questions swirl over who will be the longtime leader’s successor.

‘Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,’ the president wrote on Truth Social

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting in Tehran, Iran, February 17, 2026

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead, according to the US president

There is no single obvious next-in-line who has the support of all the disparate elements of Tehran’s clergy, military and political leadership. And some of the potential new leaders may also have been killed in the strikes.

One contender, if he survived the bombardment, is Mojtaba Khamenei, 55, the Ayatollah’s second-eldest son.

However, while Mojtaba is a powerful and hardline figure in the background, he has never held government office.

Another option is Ali Larijani, chair of the Supreme National Security Commission who, in recent weeks, Khamenei had given increasing power to instead of President Masoud Pezeshkian. 

Trump told NBC News in an interview that he’d be involved in the process to select Iran’s next leader. 

‘At some point they’ll be calling me to ask who I’d like,’ he said, adding he was only being ‘a little sarcastic’ when saying that.  

Though it appears too early to have any solid indication as to who may come out on top in the power struggle to lead Iran. 

Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reportedly been shown a picture of Khamenei’s remains before the president made the official announcement on social media. 

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s Compound, Tehran. Smoke can be seen rising over the compund

The leader’s remains were recovered from rubble at his compound, according to reports. 

Satellite images show black smoke rising and heavy damage at Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s compound, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran.

Trump’s post went on to say that the US strikes ‘will continue’ for ‘as long as necessary.’ 

‘The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!’ Trump posted. 

Before Trump’s statement announcing Khamenei’s death, reports of the supreme leader’s passing were confirmed by Israeli officials.