US and Israel Kill Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Multiple Western outlets report that a joint U.S.-Israeli campaign has carried out strikes that are being described as killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dismantling elements of the regime's command structure.

“**LIVE UPDATES: Trump defends widening Iran war as Tehran says conflict with US, not neighbours** Conflict in the Middle East escalated sharply as the US–Israeli war on Iran entered its third day, spilling into Lebanon and raising fears of a wider regional war”

Ahram Online

PBS states that initial joint strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures.

Al Jazeera

CNN reports that it claims U.S. and Israeli strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dismantled the regime's command structure, and it warns that the assertion requires independent verification.

The Journal notes images and posters referring to 'the late' Supreme Leader.

CBS says the strike left uncertainty over who would control Iran.

Reports describe extensive strikes across Tehran and beyond, with Israel's military saying it struck media and military infrastructure while Iran launched wide-ranging retaliatory attacks across the region.

The Journal reports that "Israel's military (IDF) says it has launched a new wave of strikes on Tehran and destroyed the communications/propaganda center of Iran's state broadcaster (IRIB)," and shows images of damage in the capital.

BBC

The BBC documents Iran's counter-attacks, saying "Iran fired ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones at Israel, US-linked bases and facilities across the Middle East, a British base in Cyprus (RAF Akrotiri), ships off Iran's coast and commercial/civilian sites (including hotels)."

Regional reporting and U.S. commentary note the U.S. has expanded operations and advised wide travel precautions.

The Journal records that the U.S. State Department urged Americans to "depart now" by commercial means from many Middle East countries, while the East Bay Times says President Trump asserted the U.S. "can sustain military operations in Iran 'far longer' than a previously projected four-to-five-week time frame."

The human cost reported so far includes substantial civilian and military casualties and recovered remains of previously unaccounted-for U.S. personnel.

“Why did US and Israel attack Iran and how long could the war last”

BBC

PBS reports that "Two more U.S. service members were announced dead after remains were recovered from a struck facility, bringing the U.S. toll to six; identities are being withheld pending family notification."

The Journal similarly notes that "U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said six U.S. service members have been killed since the start of the Iran war, after recovering the remains of two personnel previously unaccounted for."

The BBC also records that "As of Monday the US confirmed six servicemen killed, had recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted-for service members, and reported 18 seriously wounded."

CNN reports the U.S. president warning that U.S. casualties are expected to rise, writing that "President Donald Trump told The New York Times he expects U.S. casualties in the conflict with Iran to be 'quite a bit higher' than the three service members killed so far."

Reports describe heavy civilian tolls and contested claims about specific incidents, including a large school tragedy that Iranian officials say resulted from the strikes.

PBS records that Iran's foreign minister posted an aerial photo showing rows of graves which he said mark the burial of more than 160 schoolgirls killed in an airstrike on a southern elementary school, and Iranian state media reported at least 165 dead and dozens wounded.

CNN International

The BBC notes civilian areas were hit in the wider back-and-forth, saying the IRGC struck residential and government sites and that a strike on Beit Shemesh killed nine people.

The East Bay Times cites broader casualty figures inside Iran, saying casualty figures include at least 555 killed and attacks on more than 130 cities, and it reports conflicting explanations from U.S. and Israeli officials about war aims and an endgame.

U.S. officials framed the operation as aimed at destroying Iran’s missile capability and security apparatus while publicly denying an objective of regime change.

“• War with Iran: Explosions have been heard in cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, after Iran’s top official said Tehran “will not negotiate” with the US”

CNN International

PBS quotes U.S. officials saying the operation will continue "as long as it takes" to destroy Iran's ballistic missile capability and insisting "the goal is not regime change."

East Bay Times

The reported killing of Khamenei has raised deep uncertainty about succession.

The BBC explains the constitutional mechanism for choosing a successor — the Assembly of Experts — and the influential role of the Guardian Council and establishment institutions in practice.

CBS records President Trump saying the strikes had "knocked out most of the candidates" to succeed Khamenei and that he had "three very good choices" for Iran’s future leadership.

CNN cautions that the claim of Khamenei’s death is extraordinary and needs verification, underscoring uncertainty about who now controls Iran.