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

Travel chaos hits Formula One as airport closures disrupt 2026 opener

Formula One chiefs have released a statement as teams rush to secure alternative routes to Australia ahead of the 2026 season opener in Melbourne next weekend.

Around 2,000 staff from F1 and the teams are reportedly still in the Middle East following pre season testing in Bahrain. Iranian strikes on targets in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE have led to the closure of major hubs in Doha and Dubai, disrupting key routes operated by Qatar Airways and Emirates.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres speaks

UN Secretary-General António Guterres says the situation in Iran remains “very fluid” and that he cannot confirm reports that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed.

Speaking at an emergency Security Council meeting, Guterres said U.S. and Israeli strikes reportedly hit around 20 cities, including Tehran, Ham, Qom and Mashhad. He noted explosions were reported near key government sites, including the presidential palace.

Addressing Israeli claims that Khamenei was killed, Guterres said he is “not in a position to confirm” the reports.

Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong is speaking following the UN Security Council meeting.

“I start by saying Australia stands with the great struggle against oppression,” she says.

“For decades we know the Iranian regime has been a destabilising force through its ballistic nuclear programs. Support for armed proxies and brutal acts of violence and intimidation with the international community, the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Iran’s citizens.

“Instead, we have seen a brutal crackdown, killing thousands of its own citizens and you heard me say, that a regime that requires the murder of its own people to maintain authority is a regime without legitimacy.

“So, Australia supports action to prevent Iran from [developing a] nuclear weapon and to prevent it from continuing to threaten international peace.”

Trump talks to the media

Donald Trump told NBC News, “We feel that is a correct story,” responding to media reports that cited Israeli claims Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed in airstrikes.

Iran has rejected those claims, insisting Khamenei is “safe and sound.”

According to NBC, Trump said “most” of Iran’s senior leadership is now “gone.”

“The people that make all the decisions, most of them are gone,” he said.

He added that “a large amount of leadership” had been killed.

“I don’t mean like two people,” Trump told the network.

Burj Al Arab in Dubai reportedly hit by Iranian drone

Footage shows flames rising from iconic hotel

The Burj Al Arab in Dubai, often described as the world’s only seven star hotel, has reportedly been struck by an Iranian drone, with video circulating online showing flames rising from the property.

Authorities have not yet released full details on the extent of the damage or possible injuries as tensions across the region continue to escalate.