Iran live updates: Trump claims Khamenei dead as Iran insists he remains in command

US State Department raises travel alerts as Middle East tensions surge

The U.S. State Department has issued Level 4 do not travel advisories for Iran, Lebanon and Iraq, alongside a worldwide security alert for American citizens. The warning urges U.S. nationals in Iran to shelter in place and advises those in Lebanon to leave immediately while commercial flights remain available.

In Iraq, Americans have been told to exercise increased caution and be prepared to shelter in place amid reports of missiles and drones in the airspace. A Level 4 advisory calls on citizens not to travel to the affected countries and to depart as soon as it is safe to do so.

Some Iranians were seen celebrating in parts of Tehran after President Donald Trump announced that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed, according to witnesses.

Witnesses told Reuters that crowds gathered in several districts of the capital, cheering in the streets following Trump’s statement.

Reuters does not have staff on the ground in Iran, where authorities closely monitor foreign media and exercise broad control over domestic outlets.

Even so, we remains in regular contact with a range of sources inside the country, monitors Iranian media, and reviews online and social media content, verifying material carefully before publication.

If you’re just joining our live blog, here’s what you need to know

The US and Israel launched the most ambitious attack on Iran in decades, claiming Khamenei was killed in the operation. A senior Israeli official confirmed that the Supreme Leader’s body had been found. Iranian state media quoted a source close to Khamenei’s office, stating confidently that the revolutionary leader remains steadfast and firm in commanding the battlefield. When asked on NBC News about reports of Khamenei’s death, Trump affirmed, “We believe that’s a correct story.” Iran condemned the strikes as unprovoked and illegal, retaliating by launching missiles at Israel and at least seven other countries, including Gulf states hosting US bases. Explosions across Iranian cities caused widespread panic, prompting some residents to flee. These strikes followed a wave of violent anti-government protests that resulted in thousands of deaths. Protesters have recently taken to the streets again in remembrance of those killed the previous month. Trump explained that the strikes aimed to eliminate Iran’s decades-long threat and prevent its nuclear weapon development. He urged Iranian security forces to surrender their weapons and called on Iranians to overthrow their government once the bombing concluded. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated numerous signs suggesting Khamenei’s demise and urged Iranians to complete the mission. He reported that Khamenei’s compound had been destroyed and that Revolutionary Guard commanders and senior nuclear officials had been killed.

Trump says Khamenei is dead

Trump seen at Mar-a-Lago situation room as US releases photos of Iran strikes

The White House has published images showing President Donald Trump watching the U.S. military’s “Operation Epic Fury” strikes on Iran from a makeshift situation room at his Mar-a-Lago resort, alongside senior advisers and national security officials, with Vice-President JD Vance coordinating from the traditional Situation Room in Washington.

The photos were shared amid intense global scrutiny of the operation and show Trump and his Cabinet monitoring real-time updates and strategic briefings as the campaign unfolds.