Iran has announced a 40-day mourning period and seven public holidays following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had been in power since 1989.
“With the martyrdom of the supreme leader, his path and mission neither will be lost nor will be forgotten; on the other hand, they will be pursued with greater vigor and zeal,” a presenter said.
The state’s television in Iran had already confirmed Khamenei’s death without mentioning the major bombardment on his home by the US and Israel.
At 5:00 am (01:30 GMT), a presenter on state television announced Khamenei’s passing while the channel aired archive pictures with a black banner in remembrance.
Since 1989, the 86-year-old Khamenei has served as Iran’s supreme leader.
Although Tehran has not confirmed it, US President Donald Trump claimed on Saturday that Khamenei had been killed in airstrikes.
