The Iranian government has officially released a photograph of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly found among the rubble of his official residence in Tehran, following airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel.
The historic and emotionally charged image was broadcast by Iranian state television, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), which confirmed that Khamenei had suffered what it described as a “divine death” (martyrdom). His official residence was completely destroyed in the attack on Saturday, and his body was reportedly recovered after a large-scale operation that lasted several hours.
According to Israeli media reports, the photograph was shown to former US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prior to its public release.
Iranian authorities stated that the decision to publish the image was taken in response to what they described as “Mental Warfare” and speculation claiming that Khamenei was still alive. The release of the photograph has reportedly sent shockwaves among his supporters worldwide. Authorities in Iran have declared a 40-day national mourning period along with a week-long public holiday.
