Iran rejects reports of Supreme Leader, President’s death after strikes
By KEMI KASUMU with Agencies
Meanwhile, Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, also responded to the strikes, asserting that the country is capable of defending itself.
Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, has dismissed reports claiming that Ali Khamenei and the country’s president were killed in recent military strikes.
In an official statement, Baqaei described the allegations as false, insisting that both leaders remain alive and in good health.
“The leader of the revolution and the president are in good health,” he said, rejecting what he characterised as fabricated reports circulating online.
The denial comes amid heightened tensions following the announcement by Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump of joint military operations targeting sites in Iran. Israeli officials said the operation was aimed at senior Iranian leadership figures and alleged nuclear facilities, while President Trump confirmed that the United States had carried out major strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Following the attacks, unverified claims spread on social media suggesting that Ayatollah Khamenei had been killed. However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has firmly denied the reports.
Reuters has also rejected claims that it confirmed the assassination, after being cited in online posts as a source. Al Jazeera was similarly referenced in some reports, though no verified confirmation was issued by the broadcaster.
In a public address, Prime Minister Netanyahu urged Iranians to rise up against their government.
“People of Iran, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Take to the streets, overthrow the regime. Now is your chance. We are with you,” he said.
Iranian authorities have dismissed assertions that the country’s leadership structure has been disrupted, maintaining that both the Supreme Leader and the president remain in office.
Meanwhile, Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, also responded to the strikes, asserting that the country is capable of defending itself.
“For the time being, we don’t need anybody for our defense. We are capable enough to defend ourselves, and we will do that,” he said.
Also, in a statement delivered in Arabic (SEE VIDEO), it was said that “The attacks against America and the Zionist entity will gradually escalate” – Khatam Al-Anbiyaa HQ, simply put, “You started this but we will help you to finish it,” US and Iran told.
