The Iranian government has officially released a photograph of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose body was discovered among the rubble of his official residence in Tehran following airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel.
The historic and emotional 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 palace 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” claims suggesting that Khamenei was still alive. The release of the photograph has reportedly shocked his supporters worldwide. In response, Iran has declared a 40-day period of national mourning along with a week-long public holiday.
