India, March 1 -- Israeli officials say Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a joint military strike, but Iranian authorities deny the claim, leaving his fate unconfirmed as regional tensions escalate.

Netanyahu accused Khamenei of decades of "terrorism" and said the operation eliminated senior Iranian figures, though he stopped short of definitively confirming Khamenei's death.

However, there has been no confirmation from the United States or the Iranian government.

Iranian state outlets Tasnim and Mehr reported that Khamenei was "steadfast and firm in commanding the field," contradicting claims of his death.

The strikes targeted senior leadership, military facilities and air defenses amid escalating U.S.-Isra...