Iran has declared 40 days of national mourning and a seven-day public holiday after the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The announcement was made on Sunday via state television after authorities officially confirmed his passing. Regular programming was suspended and replaced with Quran recitations, while archival footage of the late leader was broadcast. A black banner was also displayed on screen as a symbol of national grief.
In a statement, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council described his death as martyrdom and blamed the United States and Israel for the attack it said resulted in his death. The council added that the incident would mark the beginning of what it termed a renewed struggle against oppression.
On Saturday night, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Khamenei’s death in a post on Truth Social, describing it as justice for Iranians and others he claimed had suffered under the late leader’s rule.
Trump further stated that the development presented an opportunity for Iranians to reclaim control of their country. He also alleged that some members of Iran’s security forces were seeking immunity and were no longer prepared to continue fighting.
As of Sunday, Iranian authorities had not released details regarding funeral arrangements. However, nationwide mourning events are expected to commence immediately, with public observances and official ceremonies likely to be held in major cities across the country.