Pakistan, March 1 -- Iranian state television and the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency confirmed early Sunday that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in a major United States and Israeli airstrike on his compound in central Tehran. The 86-year-old leader, who ruled Iran since 1989, died alongside several close relatives, including a daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law and a grandchild, according to official reports. His death marks the most dramatic escalation in tensions between Tehran, Washington and Tel Aviv in decades. Authorities declared 40 days of national mourning and announced a temporary governing council until a new supreme leader is selected.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump publicly claimed that Khamenei had be...