Trump confirmed the killing of Khamenei, stating the following:
Khamenei, one of the most bloodthirsty individuals in history, has passed away. This is not only just for the Iranians but for all Americans and citizens of other countries who have fallen victim to his crimes. He could not hide from our intelligence and control technologies, and by cooperating with Israel, he and his associates had no way to escape this. This is a unique opportunity for the Iranian people to restore their country. We are receiving information that many from their Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other forces no longer want to continue fighting and are seeking our protection.
As I said before: "Now they can receive protection, or death awaits them!" I hope that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the police will unite with the patriots of Iran and together restore the country's lost greatness.
These processes must begin immediately, as Khamenei is dead, and the country has suffered significant destruction. However, our operations will continue throughout the week or until we achieve our goal — PEACE IN THE ENTIRE MIDDLE EAST AND IN THE WORLD!
Thank you for your attention.
As I said before: "Now they can receive protection, or death awaits them!" I hope that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the police will unite with the patriots of Iran and together restore the country's lost greatness.
These processes must begin immediately, as Khamenei is dead, and the country has suffered significant destruction. However, our operations will continue throughout the week or until we achieve our goal — PEACE IN THE ENTIRE MIDDLE EAST AND IN THE WORLD!
Thank you for your attention.
Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah of Iran, expressed joy over Khamenei's death.
"Ali Khamenei, the villain of our time, has caused the deaths of tens of thousands of Iranians, erased from history," Pahlavi stated on social media.
"With his death, the Islamic Republic will effectively cease to exist and will be forgotten," he added.
Pahlavi urged Iranian authorities not to appoint a new leader and warned of a "last chance" for the military and security forces to unite with the people.
"This is the beginning of our great national celebration, but the path is not yet complete."
After 1979, Pahlavi, like his family, was forced to leave Iran and has lived in the USA ever since.
An analyst claims that the US "made a mistake," and Khamenei has become a "martyr."
Harlan Ullman, chairman of the Killowen Strategic Group, believes that the US made a "significant mistake by killing Khamenei."
"Now he is a martyr, and Ali Larijani, if he is still alive, poses a serious threat. He is the head of the Supreme National Security Council," Ullman noted in an interview with Al Jazeera.
In his opinion, Washington should not expect negotiations with the Iranian leadership, similar to the situation with Venezuela after the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro.
"I don't think so," Ullman added.
"We may have empowered Larijani significantly, and this could backfire on us," he continued about the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, who is likely to become Khamenei's successor.
"Decapitation is only effective if all leaders are eliminated, and I am not sure that has happened."
Mourning and protests in Mashhad over Khamenei.
The Iranian channel Press TV showed footage of Khamenei's supporters mourning at the Imam Reza mausoleum in Mashhad.
Crying and wailing can be heard, with some people lying on the floor, overwhelmed with grief.
Meanwhile, reports of celebrations and fireworks also emerged from Tehran. Many Iranians blame Khamenei and his forces for ordering the mass killings of protesters in recent weeks.
Trump: diplomacy has become "much easier" after the attack on Iran.
The US president has repeatedly criticized Iran during negotiations over its nuclear program, and many experts believe this move undermines trust in Washington's diplomacy.
Nevertheless, in an interview with CBS News, Trump stated that he believes the US is in a better position to achieve a diplomatic solution with Iran.
"Now it's much easier than it was yesterday, obviously," Trump said, adding: "Since they are under severe strikes."
He also noted that Iran's retaliatory actions — attacks on Israel and American bases in the region — have so far been "less decisive than we expected."
"We thought it would be much more active," he added.
Qatar: 16 injured as a result of Iranian attacks.
The Qatari Ministry of Interior reported eight new injuries from Iranian attacks, bringing the total number of casualties to 16.
It was also noted that there was "minor material damage" in some areas.
Iran will respond to Khamenei's killing.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned Khamenei's killing as a "huge crime" and promised to take retaliatory measures.
"This crime will not go unpunished and will open a new chapter in the history of the Islamic world and Shiism. The pure blood of this great leader will be shed to eradicate American-Zionist oppression," his statement said.
"This time, with our strength and determination, supported by the Islamic people and the free peoples of the world, we will punish the guilty," he added.
In addition to 40 days of mourning, Pezeshkian announced seven days of national holidays.
Photos: Iranians in Tehran mourn Khamenei.
