Iranian TV anchor sobs on air as he announces Ayatollah’s death
An Iranian state television anchor broke down in tears as he announced the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following coordinated US and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran.
Reading from an official statement issued by the National Supreme Council, the presenter said: ‘God is great. God is great.
‘With deep sorrow, it is announced to the nation of Iran that Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, was martyred today in a joint criminal attack by the United States and the Zionist regime.’
As he continued, his voice began to falter.
The statement described Ayatollah, 86, as a revered Islamic figure whose ‘long dream of martyrdom became true’. It also noted that he had been killed during the holy month of Ramadan.
Partway through the broadcast, the anchor became visibly emotional, covering his mouth with his hand and lowering his head as he tried to compose himself.
Others could be heard crying off camera. He resumed reading but broke down again before finishing the announcement.
It is unknown if his tears were in mourning, fear for continued strikes on the country, relief at the end of the authoritarian regime, or some mixture of the three.
Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday that Khamenei had been killed in airstrikes targeting his compound in Tehran.
According to semi-official Tasnim news agency, he died in his office at home during the attack. Satellite images showed smoke rising from the site, and officials said his body was found under the rubble.
Four members of his family and two senior military commanders were also reported killed in the strikes.
His wife, Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, and several of his children and grandchildren were believed to have been at the compound.
He and his wife had six children: sons Massoud, Mojtaba, Mostafa and Meysam, and daughters Bushra and Hoda.
The government announced a 40-day mourning period and declared a seven-day national holiday. The statement read on air said that while Iranians were mourning, ‘martyrdom will spark a massive uprising in the fight against oppressors.’
US President Donald Trump had announced Khamenei’s death hours earlier in a post on Truth Social, calling him ‘one of the most evil people in History’.
Trump urged the people of Iran to ‘rise up’, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging them ‘to flood the streets and finish the job’.
Iranian officials initially dismissed reports of Khamenei’s death as psychological warfare, but later confirmed it as further strikes were reported across the country.
Crowds gathered overnight in parts of Tehran and other cities, with some mourning and others celebrating.
Khamenei had served as Iran’s supreme leader for nearly four decades and was a central figure in the country’s political and religious establishment.
His death marks a significant moment for the Islamic Republic as the conflict with the United States and Israel continues.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Four injured after Dubai International Airport hit by Iranian missile strike
MORE: Dubai’s ‘most iconic hotel’ Burj Al Arab hit by Iranian attack
MORE: Safest countries to be in if World War Three breaks out