Iranian state television announced the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in what it described as U.S.-backed Israeli airstrikes, adding that around 40 senior Iranian officials were also killed.

The government declared 40 days of national mourning and ordered the closure of public offices for one week.

A three-member body comprising President Masoud Pezeshkian, the head of the judiciary, and a representative of the Guardian Council was tasked with overseeing a transitional period until a new Supreme Leader is selected.