Photo: EPA
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed, leaving the country without the figure who defined its political system for nearly four decades and raising urgent questions about whether the Islamic Republic can survive in its current form.
Two weeks before his death, an unusual incident occurred on Iranian state television when a journalist accidentally shouted “Death to Khamenei” instead of the routine slogan “Death to America” during a live broadcast marking the 1979 revolution anniversary. He was fired, but the slip underscored the depth of public resentment toward the longtime leader. According to Bloomberg, the 86-year-old cleric was killed in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes that destroyed his fortified residence in central Tehran. Four members of his family, including his daughter and grandson, were also reported dead.
Despite the shock, the governing system remains intact. Analysts say Iran’s armed forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps still control the security apparatus and appear determined to resist the United States and Israel for as long as possible. Videos circulating online show residents in some cities celebrating Khamenei’s death, though there are no signs of attempts to seize government institutions. Security has been tightened nationwide, with heavy deployments of armed police and militia units in Tehran.
Experts suggest that most Iranians are likely to prioritize personal safety over mass protests despite calls from Washington for citizens to rise up. Over the past two decades, the Revolutionary Guard has accumulated major political and economic influence. Key figures shaping Iran’s response include parliamentary speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and national security official Ali Larijani.
Khamenei’s death also reopens debate about Iran’s nuclear doctrine. Years ago he issued a religious ruling against nuclear weapons, and Tehran has long cited that edict along with its commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as proof it does not seek a bomb. However, recent international monitoring reports noted ongoing activity at major nuclear sites targeted in U.S. strikes. With Khamenei gone, voices favoring a more flexible nuclear stance could gain influence.
During his rule, Khamenei built a strategy centered on Islamic nationalism and support for allied armed groups across the Middle East, from Hezbollah in Lebanon to Hamas in Gaza and the Assad government in Syria. That regional network has been weakened by Israeli operations and recent strikes on Iran itself, exposing vulnerabilities in his system. Domestically, his government was known for harsh crackdowns on dissent, including protests earlier this year that rights groups say left thousands dead.
World reactions have been sharply divided. Russia praised Khamenei as an outstanding statesman, while China condemned the killing. European officials described the moment as historic for Iran. Neither Washington nor Tel Aviv has signaled any intention to honor him.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced. Under normal circumstances, the death of an Iranian supreme leader would prompt massive state ceremonies like those held for his predecessor Ruhollah Khomeini, but no precedent exists for such an event during active military conflict.
Tensions across the region remain high. Israeli strikes recently hit targets in Iran and Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, while Tehran retaliated with ballistic missile launches toward Israel and attacks on a U.S. base in Bahrain. Explosions have also been reported near American installations in several Gulf states. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has urged citizens to avoid travel to Israel and leave Iran immediately, and the UN Security Council is preparing an emergency meeting. Iranian officials say they are open to negotiations once U.S. and Israeli strikes stop.
