Khamenei news LIVE: Khamenei killed in Israeli raid, confirms IDF; Protests erupt in Pakistan, Iraq

The reported killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989 in an Israeli-US military strike represents one of the most dramatic developments in modern Middle East history.

Khamenei was not a political leader; he was the highest religious and political authority in Iran controlling the military, judiciary and major national policies. His death has triggered:

* protests in multiple countries

* Military retaliation by Iran

* Fears of an global war

* Political uncertainty inside Iran

Iranian state media confirmed that Khamenei died at age 86 following missile and airstrikes targeting his compound and leadership network.

### 2. What exactly happened: Israeli-US strike that killed Khamenei

#### 2.1 The operation

According to reports the United States and Israel launched an air and missile attack targeting Iran’s leadership and military infrastructure.

Here are the key details:

* The strike hit Khamenei’s compound in Tehran.

* The operation was reportedly planned for months. Executed with precision.

* It occurred while Khamenei was meeting military and political officials.

* Multiple Iranian military commanders and security officials were also killed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were signs Khamenei had been eliminated and described the attack as a major blow to Iran’s leadership.

US President Donald Trump also confirmed the strike. Warned Iran against retaliation.

#### 2.2. Destruction

The strike caused destruction:

* Than 200 people were killed, including civilians and military personnel.

* Hundreds more were injured.

* Top Iranian commanders and nuclear officials were eliminated.

* Family members of Khamenei were reportedly among the dead.

This was one of the devastating leadership strikes in modern warfare.

### 3. Why Israel and the US targeted Khamenei

#### 3.1 Iran’s program

One major reason cited was Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Israel and the US accused Iran of:

* Developing nuclear weapons capability

* Supporting groups like Hezbollah and Hamas

* Threatening Israel’s existence

The strike was framed as an attempt to stop Iran from acquiring weapons and to weaken its leadership.

#### 3.2 Iran’s influence

Iran has long supported proxy groups across the Middle East:

* Hezbollah (Lebanon)

* Militias in Iraq and Syria

* Houthis in Yemen

These groups often oppose Israel and US allies.

Under Khamenei Iran built what it called the “Axis of Resistance.”

Israel saw him as the figure behind these threats.

#### 3.3 Strategic regime-change objective

Some leaders openly discussed regime change.

US and Israeli officials described the strike as:

* A decisive blow to Iran’s government

* A step toward weakening Iran’s system

This marked a major escalation in direct confrontation.

### 4. Iran’s response: missiles, drones and threats

Iran quickly launched retaliation.

#### 4.1 Missile strikes against Israel

Iran fired missiles and drones targeting:

* Tel Aviv

* Israeli military sites

* areas

At least one civilian was killed in Israel.

#### 4.2 Attacks on US bases

Iran also targeted US bases across the Middle East including:

* Gulf countries

* Military installations in Iraq and the region

This expanded the conflict beyond Iran and Israel.

#### 4.3 Threat to block oil supply

Iran threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz.

This strait carries 20% of global oil supply.

If blocked global oil prices could skyrocket.

### 5. Protests erupt across countries

#### 5.1 Pakistan protests

Pakistan saw some of the most violent protests.

In Karachi:

* Hundreds of protesters stormed the US consulate.

* Police used tear gas and gunfire to disperse crowds.

* Police posts and vehicles were burned.

* At six people were killed.

In Lahore:

* Hundreds protested outside the US consulate.

In Gilgit-Baltistan:

* Protesters burned a UN building.

These protests were mainly led by Shia Muslims, who consider Iran’s Supreme Leader a religious figure.

#### 5.2 Iraq protests

In Baghdad:

* Protesters gathered near the US embassy.

* Crowds attempted to breach the fortified Green Zone.

* Gunshots and clashes were reported.

Iraq has pro-Iran political and militia groups.

#### 5.3 Protests inside Iran

Millions of Iranians mourned Khamenei.

Iran declared:

* 40 days of mourning

* Holidays

* National mourning ceremonies

Government supporters gathered in Tehran.

### 6. Who was Ali Khamenei: understanding his power

#### 6.1 His position

Khamenei became Supreme Leader in 1989.

He had control over:

* forces

* Nuclear program

* Judiciary

* Intelligence agencies

* Religious authority

He was the most powerful person in Iran.

#### 6.2 His political ideology

Khamenei was:

* Strongly anti-US

* Strongly anti-Israel

* Supportive of governance

He positioned Iran as a global challenger to Western influence.

#### 6.3 Major events during his leadership

His rule saw:

* Iran-US tensions

* crisis

* Wars

* Major protests in Iran

* International sanctions

He ruled Iran for 36 years.

### 7. Power vacuum in Iran: who will lead now?

Iran now faces uncertainty.

The next Supreme Leader must be chosen by:

* Assembly of Experts. A religious body.

Possible outcomes:

* Hardline military leader takes power

* Religious cleric takes power

* religious joint leadership

The Revolutionary Guard is expected to play a major role.

### 8. Risk of a Middle East war

This crisis could trigger a regional war involving:

* Iran

* Israel

* United States

* Hezbollah

* Iraq militias

* Gulf countries

Possible escalation scenarios:

* Air war

* Missile war

* Naval war

* Cyber warfare

* Proxy conflicts

### 9. Global impact

#### 9.1 Oil prices

Iran controls oil routes.

War could cause:

* Fuel price increases

* Economic instability

#### 9.2 Financial markets

Global stock markets may fall due to uncertainty.

#### 9.3 Airline disruptions

Flights across Middle East airspace were suspended.

#### 9.4 International diplomatic crisis

The United Nations held emergency meetings.

Many countries urged peace.

### 10. Why protests erupted specifically in Pakistan and Iraq

These countries have:

* Shia Muslim populations

* Strong religious connection to Iran

* Political groups aligned with Iran

For protesters Khamenei was not just a leader but a religious authority.

### 11. Israel’s perspective

Israel considers Iran its biggest enemy.

Israel believes Iran:

* Funds groups

* Develops weapons

* Threatens Israeli survival

Israel saw killing Khamenei as removing the main threat.

### 12. US perspective

The US has long opposed Iran’s program.

US goals include:

* Prevent nuclear weapons

* Protect allies

* Reduce influence

### 13. Iran’s perspective

Iran considers the attack:

* An assassination

* An act of war

* Violation of international law

Iran has promised revenge.

### 14. Possible future scenarios

* Scenario 1: Full-scale war

* Scenario 2: military conflict

* Scenario 3: Proxy wars increase

* Scenario 4: Political instability inside Iran

* Scenario 5: Diplomatic negotiations

### 15. Significance

This is comparable to major events like:

* Killing of Osama bin Laden

* Assassination of political leaders during wars

But this is more serious because Khamenei was head of state.

### 16. Why this is one of the dangerous moments in modern geopolitics

Because it involves:

* Nuclear-capable countries

* Multiple armies

* Religious tensions

* Global energy supply

The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Israeli-US strikes marks a turning point in world history. It has triggered protests, military retaliation, political uncertainty and fears of a wider war. Pakistan and Iraq saw protests due to religious and political ties with Iran while Iran has vowed revenge and begun national mourning. The coming weeks will determine whether this escalates into full-scale war or moves, toward diplomacy.