Iran has declared 40 days of national mourning and announced a seven-day public holiday following the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The announcement was aired on state television on Sunday after officials formally confirmed his passing.
State broadcaster IRINN suspended regular programming, replacing it with Quran recitations and archival footage of Khamenei, while a black mourning banner appeared on screen.
A statement read by a news presenter, issued by the Supreme National Security Council, described Khamenei’s death as “martyrdom” and blamed the United States and Israel for the attack that allegedly led to his death.
The council said the development would usher in what it called a renewed struggle against “oppression.”
Global media reports noted that the confirmation came after hours of speculation triggered by Israeli outlets claiming Khamenei had been killed in coordinated strikes on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump had earlier announced the death in a post on Truth Social late Saturday, describing it as justice for Iranians and others he alleged suffered under Khamenei’s rule.
Trump also suggested the moment created an opening for Iranians to reclaim their country, adding that some within the nation’s security apparatus were reportedly seeking immunity and reluctant to continue fighting.
Iranian officials have not yet released funeral details, but nationwide mourning activities are expected to begin immediately as the country prepares for an extended period of remembrance.