Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday claimed there were indications that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, may no longer be alive following a joint United States–Israeli military operation targeting his compound.
Addressing reporters, Netanyahu said there were “signs” suggesting that Khamenei was “no longer alive,” though he did not provide evidence to substantiate the claim.
He also urged Iranian citizens to rise up, calling on them to “flood the streets and finish the job.”
Israel’s Channel 12 network reported that 30 bombs were dropped on the compound of the Iranian Supreme Leader during Saturday’s coordinated operation.
According to Channel 12 correspondent Amit Segal, who is regarded as close to the Israeli Prime Minister, the strike was extensive and specifically targeted the complex believed to house Khamenei.
“Thirty bombs were dropped on the complex. Ali Khamenei was underground, but probably not in his own bunker,” Segal said during the broadcast, without citing an official source.
There has been no independent confirmation of the report, and Iranian authorities have yet to issue a formal statement on the condition or whereabouts of the Supreme Leader.
Israel confirmed that Iran’s supreme leader was killed in strikes on Saturday, according to two Israeli sources familiar with the matter.
One of the sources told CNN Israel had obtained a photo of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s dead body. The second source said an official announcement is being prepared.
Meanwhile, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said that Iran’s president and Supreme Leader are “safe and sound.” But Khamenei has not been seen in public or in videos since the strikes began.