BREAKING: Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Confirmed Dead as Trump Drops Bombshell: 48 Leaders Gone in One Shot
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Operation Epic Fury Enters Day Two with Heavy Casualties, US Military Confirms First American Deaths
The United States and Israel have launched a major military offensive against Iran, with President Donald Trump claiming that more than 48 Iranian leaders have been killed in what the Pentagon has codenamed “Operation Epic Fury.”
Iranian state media has confirmed the death of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the strikes, marking a seismic shift in the escalating conflict between Tehran and the West.
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Trump Declares Success
In an interview with Fox News, Trump hailed the operation’s progress, stating:
“Nobody can believe the success we’re having, 48 leaders are gone in one shot. And it’s moving along rapidly.”
Speaking separately to CNBC, the president doubled down on his assessment, insisting the campaign was running ahead of schedule.
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“We’re doing our job not just for us but for the world. And everything is ahead of schedule. Things are evolving in a very positive way right now, a very positive way.”
The military strikes, which began Saturday, are aimed at dismantling the Islamic Republic’s leadership structure and degrading its military capabilities, according to Pentagon sources.
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Iran Confirms Supreme Leader’s Death
In a development that has sent shockwaves through the Middle East, Iran’s official Nour News—affiliated with the country’s Supreme National Security Council—confirmed that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes on his office in Tehran.
“Iran’s leader attained martyrdom while carrying out his duties at his office,” the report stated.
The attack also reportedly claimed the lives of Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law, grandchild, and one of his daughters-in-law.
The Iranian cabinet has since declared 40 days of national mourning and vowed retaliation, warning that the perpetrators of what it called a “major crime” would be held accountable.
First US Casualties Confirmed
The interviews with Trump were conducted before the US military announced its first casualties in the conflict.
United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that three US service members have been killed in action and five others “seriously wounded” as part of Operation Epic Fury.
“Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty,” CENTCOM stated in a post on X.
“Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.”
The identities of the fallen service members are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.
Naval Engagements and Iranian Retaliation
CENTCOM also confirmed that US forces had struck an Iranian Jamaran-class corvette in the Gulf of Oman during the opening phase of operations.
“The ship is currently sinking to the bottom of the Gulf of Oman at a Chah Bahar pier,” the command announced.
Trump later expanded on this, posting on social media that nine Iranian naval ships had been destroyed and that Iran’s naval headquarters had been “largely destroyed.”
Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it had struck the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier with ballistic missiles—a claim CENTCOM strongly denied as a “lie,” stating the missiles “didn’t even come close” and that the carrier continues launching aircraft in support of operations.
Regional Fallout
The conflict has triggered broader instability across the region:
| Country | Casualties / Impact |
|---|---|
| Israel | Eight killed, 28 injured in missile barrage on Beit Shemesh region |
| United Arab Emirates | Three confirmed dead, 58 injured from Iranian attacks |
| Pakistan | 23 protesters killed in clashes, including 10 at US consulate in Karachi |
The UAE’s Defense Ministry reported that 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and 541 drones have been launched toward the country since the conflict began.
International Response
Oman, which previously mediated talks between the US and Iran, indicated that Tehran remains open to “any serious efforts of de-escalation.”
Trump told The Atlantic that Iranian leaders “want to talk, and I have agreed to talk,” though he provided no details on when or how such discussions would take place, acknowledging that “some of the people we were dealing with are gone.”
However, Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf struck a defiant tone, warning that America had “crossed our red line and must pay the price.”
Domestic Reaction
A snap Reuters/Ipsos poll of 1,282 Americans found only 27 percent approve of the strikes, with 43 percent disapproving and 29 percent unsure.
In Iran, conflicting reports emerged about public reaction. While state media reported mourning, verified video footage obtained by AFP showed some Iranians taking to the streets cheering, playing celebratory music, and launching fireworks following reports of Khamenei’s death—a reflection of the deep divisions within Iranian society following the deadly crackdown on anti-government protests in January.
What Happens Next
Under Iran’s constitutional procedures, an interim leadership council has been formed comprising the president, the head of the judiciary, and a jurist from the Guardian Council. They will assume leadership duties until a new Supreme Leader is determined.
Former CENTCOM commander General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. told US media that the next 72 to 96 hours will be crucial to determine whether Iran can sustain a heavy barrage of retaliatory missile strikes against US bases and partners in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that strikes on Iran will “escalate in the days ahead.”
Timeline of Events
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Saturday: US and Israel launch “Operation Epic Fury” targeting Iranian leadership and military infrastructure
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Saturday (late): Iran confirms Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei killed in strike on Tehran office
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Sunday: Trump gives interviews claiming 48 leaders killed; CENTCOM announces first US casualties
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Sunday (ongoing): Naval engagements continue in Gulf of Oman; regional retaliatory strikes reported
Ejes Gist News Nigeria will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as events unfold.
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