Trump celebrates Khamenei’s death, says US‑Israel strikes will continue

US President Donald Trump hailed the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following joint US‑Israeli airstrikes and warned that military attacks on Iran would continue if necessary, according to his public statements and social media posts.

Iran’s state media later confirmed Khamenei’s death, marking a dramatic escalation in hostility between Tehran and Washington and Jerusalem.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the killing of Khamenei as “justice for the people of Iran” and called the development the “single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country.”

He said the strikes are aimed at dismantling Iran’s missile and naval capabilities and vowed that “heavy and pinpoint bombing” would continue “as long as necessary.”

Trump said the joint offensive had successfully targeted key Iranian leadership sites and infrastructure, asserting that US intelligence and military coordination with Israel ensured the operation’s success. He framed the action as both a strategic and moral victory, calling Khamenei “one of the most evil people in history.”

State media reports from Iran confirmed the death of the 86‑year‑old leader, who had ruled since 1989, and announced a 40‑day period of national mourning. He was struck during a major series of strikes on Tehran, which also targeted other senior officials and military installations.

Meanwhile, Iran has vowed to respond to what its leaders describe as a “grave act of aggression,” and regional militaries remain on high alert following retaliatory missile launches and defensive mobilisations in neighbouring countries.