Missile strikes in the region were sparked by a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran

Anti-war activists in Belfast are planning an emergency rally calling for an end to the bombing of Iran.

The ‘Stop Bombing Iran’ rally will take place on Monday, March 2, at 6pm at Belfast City Hall. Speakers will include human rights activists, trade unionists, and academics.

It comes as missile strikes continue to rock the region, sparked by a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran. Iran has retaliated with missile attacks on US bases in the Middle East.

READ MORE: Dubai’s Fairmont Hotel bursts into flames after ‘missile attack’ on The PalmREAD MORE: Foreign Office warns UK citizens to shelter as flights cancelled after Iran strikes

Speaking in support of the rally, Gerry Carroll MLA said: “This bloodthirsty, unprovoked attack on Iran is an alarming escalation of US imperial aggression, and a further step towards fulfilling Israel’s decades-long dream of imperial domination in the region.

“The death and destruction set to follow will be catastrophic. People across the world are sick of endless imperial wars and violence, and the false pretences used to justify bloodshed.

“I encourage everyone who is rightly appalled by the behaviour of these two rogue states to attend this emergency rally, and send a clear message to the US and Israel – stop bombing Iran!”

After the strikes, the Foreign Office warned against all travel to Israel while embassies in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE have advised British nationals to shelter in place.

Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly expressed concern for the safety of locals living in the region.

She posted on X: “I will be receiving a security briefing on the situation in Iran and impacts in the Middle East as dep First Minister this afternoon from the UK Government and their team.

“I will also be raising the safety and the advice for those from Northern Ireland living, working or visiting the region – and also for those who may be due to travel to the region in the next few weeks.”

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP also expressed concern about developments and called for calm.

She said: “I am deeply alarmed by the escalating military confrontation between Israel and Iran, including devastating reports that an airstrike has hit a school in southern Iran, killing dozens of children.

“I am also concerned by reports that UK military aircraft are in the skies over or near Iran.

“The UK must urgently push for de-escalation, press for an immediate ceasefire, and work with international partners to prevent a wider war. Diplomacy, not further military action, must be the focus.”

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Michael Carrick says the chance to inflict damage on one of the men thought to be a contender to be Manchester United‘s next head coach will not be a motivating factor in Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner is second favourite for the permanent role with most bookmakers, despite a troubled campaign in which he has openly criticised his club’s board, lost in the FA Cup to Macclesfield and fallen out with supporters amid a struggling Premier League campaign.

Interim Manchester United boss Carrick is now the favourite, thanks to five wins and a draw from his six games in charge.

It is a record which, after Aston Villa’s shock defeat at Wolves on Friday, means United will go third in the table for the first time since the end of the 2022-23 campaign if they beat Palace at Old Trafford.

That is enough of a motivation for Carrick, who says there is no personal element to his preparations at all.

“It is not something that would cross my mind until you mentioned it,” he said.

“It doesn’t make any difference whatsoever.

“I have total respect for Crystal Palace and Oliver, in terms of the team that they are and the role they are doing. But it’s the next game for us.”

Palace were ahead of United in the table when the two sides met on 30 November.

One influential figure in United’s 2-1 success that day, Matthijs de Ligt, has not played since because of a back injury. Fellow centre-half Lisandro Martinez missed Monday’s win at Everton with a calf problem which Carrick regards as “a small issue” that will not keep the Argentine out “for very long”.

With fifth-placed Chelsea due to play Arsenal and Aston Villa in their next two games, this is looking like a chance for United to cement their position in the Champions League places.

It is an aim few thought likely when Ruben Amorim was sacked in January.

“We are in a decent spot,” Carrick said. “We feel like we are moving forwards, but it’s just about what’s in front of us, and trying to get to where we want to be, which is a little bit higher in the league.

“That’s literally all I’m worried about in the moment.”

The Brit Awards 2026 was hosted at Manchester’s Co-op Live, marking the first time the ceremony has taken place outside London since 1977, with Tim Burgess leading tribute to Stone Roses’ Mani

The Brit Awards 2026 has sparked criticism over what some have described as a ‘rushed’ tribute segment. Manchester’s Co-op Live played host to tonight’s BRITs, marking the first occasion the prestigious ceremony has ventured beyond the capital since its inception in 1977.

The evening delivered standout moments, including Olivia Dean dominating the accolades and a handful of censored incidents. Among the night’s highlights was the In Memoriam tribute, which featured The Charlatans icon Tim Burgess paying homage to The Stone Roses’ legendary bassist Mani.

Mancunian music great Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield received a heartfelt remembrance from his mate Tim after his passing last November, when he died peacefully during his sleep at 63, following complications from ‘respiratory issues’ related to a chronic lung condition.

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Tim, 58, took to the stage saying: “I’m here tonight to pay tribute to a good friend of mine. I know he was loved by so many of you here tonight and many more watching on TV. Mani was a kid from a few miles up the road. He changed music and inspired generations ahead of him. These songs he recorded will be his legacy, along with his unforgettable smile and uncontainable enthusiasm.”, reports the Manchester Evening News.

“He was truly one of the phenomenal ones, and they are far and few between. So, I just want you to think about Mani for a moment,” he concluded as the audience erupted in applause. “We can cherish the thought that we got to experience our time and his time together. Let’s take a few moments to remember Mani and some of the people who we lost in the music industry, who we’ve lost in the last year.”

A tribute montage followed, honouring music legends who have recently died, with numerous names flashing across the screen. However, the segment sparked backlash from viewers, who flocked to X to brand it ‘rushed’.

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@SufcLee posted: “That in memoriam was bit awful. seemed a bit rushed and I assumed it was building to something that never happened #BRITs #Brits2026.@karendiamond1 concurred: “That was the most rushed and insincere award show “in memorium” segment I’ve seen,” whilst Gloria Gardner added: “Worst memorial ever to musical artists deceased #Brits2026 may have not bothered. Seemed like a fleeting tribute.

Not even a photo of Ozzy, the names flashed by so fast I could not even spot them all. #disrepectful”@bookmadmum shared similar sentiments: “That was the worst memorial part of the Brits I’ve ever seen – if you are going to honour those we have lost do it properly and with dignity and don’t get anyone to introduce it if they can’t string a sentence together #Brits2026.

“@FIOatHeart also commented: “What on gods green earth was that memorial … a couple of clips with a tonn of names popping in and out quick is not a memorial. All them names on there, deserved a million times more of a memorial montage, like they usually have.

Do better. ” @ZODl4C commented: “that was terrible, who thought it was a good idea to do the memorial section like that #Brits2026 #brits #BRITsAwards,” whilst @xmaaisieex remarked: “Pretty weak memorial moment from the #BRITs #BRITsAwards.”

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Dr Asiya Maula says people can make their home environment lower-risk

A GP has revealed how Brits can slash their cancer risk at home by making various changes. Dr Asiya Maula explained that, while no household can ever be entirely risk-free, minimising daily exposure to harmful toxins may help reduce cumulative danger over time.

She emphasised it wasn’t about creating fear or alarm, but rather raising awareness – particularly as Brits now spend more time indoors than ever before. Dr Asiya Maula, a GP at The Health Suite in Leicester, said much of the risk stems from items people typically consider harmless.

“Cancer risk isn’t about one single thing,” she said. “It’s about what the body is dealing with every day, for years or even decades.”

How Brits can cut their long-term cancer risk at home

Reconsider plastic in the kitchen

Plastic food containers, bottles and cling film can leak chemicals, particularly when heated or deteriorated.

“Some plastics contain chemicals that can interfere with hormone signalling,” Dr Maula said, explaining that hormones play a crucial role in how cells grow and divide, so repeated disruption over time may heighten cancer risk. She recommends swapping to glass or stainless steel and never microwaving food in plastic.

Boost indoor air quality

Indoor air can frequently be more contaminated than outdoor air due to cooking fumes, candles, sprays and inadequate ventilation. “Long-term exposure to indoor air pollutants may contribute to inflammation in the body,” Dr Maula said, emphasising that simply opening windows each day and running extractor fans can genuinely help.

Watch what you clean with

Numerous household cleaning products are packed with aggressive chemicals formulated to eliminate bacteria and cut through grease.

“These products exist to destroy biological material,” she said. “Repeated exposure in enclosed spaces may irritate the body over time,” suggesting gentler, unscented alternatives wherever feasible.

Think twice about pesticides indoors

Pesticides aren’t confined to agricultural settings – they’re commonplace in domestic environments too, typically in sprays and various treatments.

“They’re designed to kill living organisms,” Dr Maula said. “The concern is what low-level exposure might be doing to human cells, particularly for children,” recommending thorough washing of fruit and veg whilst minimising chemical pest control inside the home.

Dial down the ultra-processed foods

What families keep in their cupboards and prepare in their kitchens matters significantly, with ultra-processed foods associated with obesity, insulin resistance and persistent inflammation – all recognised cancer risk factors. Dr Maula emphasised the goal isn’t absolute perfection.

“It’s about reducing the overall toxic load,” she said. “Small changes, done consistently, can add up over time – and making your home a lower-exposure environment is one practical way to protect long-term health.”

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Have you got a favourite?

They’re a national treasure and a tea-time staple this time of year. So when it comes to supermarket Welsh cakes, which ones are actually worth your pound?

I tasted my way through seven of the most widely available packs on shelves across Wales – from supermarket own brands to established Welsh bakeries – judging them on flavour, texture, value and authenticity.

Some were buttery perfection. Others… should perhaps stay on the shelf.

Before we start, you may be wondering what qualifies me to review a Welsh cake. To that I say, I’m Welsh, what other qualifications might one need for such a job? For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here

Now, here’s how they ranked.

7. Braces

Price: £1.30

Verdict: 3/10 Dry and lacking flavour

By some distance, Braces were the weakest of the lot. Which for me, is perhaps the biggest surprise of the test.

These were quite noticeably drier than the others. On breaking one open, the crumb looked pale and slightly dusty. The mouthfeel confirmed it – crumbly in the wrong way, absorbing moisture rather than offering softness.

Dry, crumbly and short on sultanas, these were difficult to finish. The texture was the main issue – lacking the soft, buttery bite that defines a proper Welsh cake. A disappointing and rare misfire from a well-known Welsh bakery name.

6. Lidl – Rowan Hill Bakery

Price: £1.09

Verdict: 4/10 Synthetic taste

These look pale and slightly uniform in a way that hints at mass production.

The aroma is faint, and on tasting there’s an artificial note – a sweetness that feels processed rather than buttery. The fruit lacks plumpness, and the overall flavour profile feels one-dimensional.

Texture is slightly rubbery, with less of that crumbly tenderness expected of a good Welsh cake.

They’re affordable, yes, but the compromise in flavour is noticeable, and you can get better for the same price elsewhere.

5. Tesco

Verdict: 5.5/10 Overly sweet

At first glance, these look promising. Evenly shaped, neatly browned, dusted lightly with sugar. But for me, the flavour balance is off.

The sweetness dominates from start to finish, overpowering the buttery base. Instead of richness, you get sugar. Instead of depth, you get surface-level sweetness.

The texture is acceptable – not dry, but not especially tender either. There’s a slight density to the crumb that makes them feel heavier than they need to be.

If you have a particularly sweet tooth, they may satisfy. For a more traditional Welsh cake, however, they miss the mark.

4. Morrisons

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Price: £1.75

Verdict: 7/10 Pleasant but perhaps too sweet for some

These lean sweet – noticeably so – but not to the point of being overpowering. The texture was reasonably soft and they avoided the dreaded dryness.

If you prefer a sweeter cake with your cuppa, these might suit you.

3. Marks & Spencer

Price: £2.10

Verdict: 6.5/10

You’d expect excellence from M&S – and these were decent. Neatly made and visually appealing, with a nice hint of nutmeg. Not offensive, not dry – but not memorable.

2. Tan y Castell Bakery

Price: £1

Verdict: 7.5/10 Consistently good

A very strong second place.

These had good moisture, a decent sultana ratio and none of the dryness that plagues some supermarket versions. Not overly sweet, not bland – just a solid, dependable Welsh cake.

They may not have quite the buttery depth of Popty, but they’re not far off and a safe bet if you spot them in store, especially when they are priced at just £1 for 6.

1. Popty Bakery

Price: £1.35

Verdict: 8/10 Outstanding

These were head and shoulders above the rest. Truly lush. At £1.35 a pack, they were also among the cheapest – but you wouldn’t know it from the taste.

Rich, buttery and generously packed with sultanas, they had that proper homemade flavour that instantly transports you to a kitchen in full baking mode.

The texture was spot on: soft without being doughy, moist without being greasy. Every bite felt balanced.

If you want the best supermarket Welsh cakes in Wales, I’d reach for Popty Bakery. They’re proof that quality doesn’t have to cost more, and the closest you’ll get to a bakery-fresh Welsh cake off the shelf.

After ranking Popty Bakery as number one, I did a bit of research on the brand. They are a family-run business founded in the small village of Llanllechid, first opened at the beginning of the 1900s. No wonder they have it all figured out.

Remember, as with all great food debates, taste is personal – and we expect strong opinions.

So tell us, have we missed your favourite? Or is there something else you would like me to review? You can let me know by emailing holly.morgan@walesonline.co.uk.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ruled Iran for decades, fuelled by paranoia, absolute power and a belief in his own divine destiny.

He was the country’s supreme leader, and he led with supreme self-confidence.

An arch foe of Donald Trump, he was described by the US president as “one of the most evil people in history”.

Mr Trump called the lethal strike on Khamenei the “single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country” – inciting Iranians to bring about regime change.

Iranian state media confirmed the 86-year-old’s death but did not specify the cause.

Khamenei was just 50 years old when he was appointed as successor to Iran’s first supreme leader, Ruhollah Khomeini.

The role he inherited was already endowed with enormous control, yet Khamenei added to it. The Iran he moulded revolved entirely around him.

His regime faced many protests and was deeply unpopular with many Iranians. But the network of secret informants and guards that he created, overseen by the loyal Revolutionary Guard, held sway.

Most were too scared to protest, not least because they saw what happened to those who did openly express dissent.

In 2022, for instance, protests sprang up after the death, in police custody, of Mahsa Amini, the young woman accused of violating strict dress codes.

Khamenei and his faithful security forces were violent in their response.

More than 7,000 people were killed during the unrest, according to one human rights group. Nearly 53,000 protesters were believed to have been arrested.

Yet Khamenei was as defiant as he was indifferent, saying at the time “enemies” who thought they could “uproot the tree of the Islamic Republic” were “completely wrong”.

He was driven by a dogmatic certainty that there was a path that needed to be followed, regardless of the consequences.

Evolution of an interest in religion and politics

Khamenei was born and raised in Mashhad, home to Iran’s holiest shrine. His childhood saw him receive a religious education that he combined with an interest in politics.

Khamenei joined a religious opposition movement aimed at overthrowing Iran’s monarchy, many years before the 1979 revolution that would eventually usher in the Islamic Republic.

He played a key part in that revolution and was a trusted, close confidant of Ayatollah Khomeini, earning a succession of significant roles. In 1981, Khamenei survived an assassination attempt that cost him the use of his right arm. Later that year, he was elected president with 97% of the vote – the previous president had been assassinated.

Khamenei served two terms as president before assuming the role of supreme leader when Khomeini died.

He was not a clear-cut choice, lacking the religious credentials that the constitution demanded, but in the end, the constitution was changed and, despite his own protestations of unworthiness, Khamenei took on the position.

A proposal to share power among a council, in order to maintain social unity, was shelved.

A cult of personality

His decades in power were characterised by a cult of personality, which Khamenei absolutely encouraged, and by his ability to quickly load all of Iran’s institutions with leaders who were absolutely loyal to him.

His decrees were absolute; loyalty was expected. Iran’s economy meandered and declined, particularly as he diverted billions and billions of dollars towards developing a nuclear programme that placed him at odds with so many Western powers, and which led to punitive sanctions that hobbled his nation.

A nuclear deal was signed in 2015 to limit Iran’s activities in return for the lifting of trade restrictions, but Iranians saw no improvement, again taking to the streets in frustration at life under sanctions, with now familiar personal grievances against their leader.

Read more:
Khamenei admits thousands died in Iran protests
Analysis: How the Iran uprising unfolded

The deal eventually unravelled under President Trump, leaving Iran’s economy isolated and the supreme leader furious.

“Trump will die and his body will turn into ashes and food for worms and ants, but the Islamic Republic will continue to stand”, Khamenei said of Trump with a typical rhetorical flourish. America was the “Great Satan” in Khamenei’s mind.

Israel was the “Little Satan”, the country he vowed to destroy.

The supreme leader’s later years of life saw Iran form an Axis of Resistance, united against Israeli and American influence in the Middle East.

Under his watch, Iran armed Russia with Iranian-made drones to fire at Ukraine, and Tehran bankrolled its two main proxies in the region, Hezbollah and Hamas, to target its sworn enemy, Israel.

Khamenei supported Hamas’s 7 October attacks and encouraged and bankrolled Hezbollah’s subsequent assaults from Lebanon.

He backed the Houthis in Yemen, as well as other insurgent groups across the region and then launched his own missile strikes on Israel. But when Israel responded, with a precision and determination that came from years of planning, Khamenei suddenly seemed to have no answers.

The furious rhetoric was still there, but the air of invulnerability seemed to have slipped away. The supreme leader’s supreme self-confidence no longer seemed so assured.

The world has changed profoundly since Ali Khamenei took power. How, when and by whom he is replaced is a question of huge significance: for Iran, the Middle East and across the globe.

The initiative, which is to launch next week, will seek advice from experts, parents, young people, teachers, and industry representatives on which measures should be implemented to improve online safety for children, a spokesperson for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said on Saturday.

A woman accused of killing her three children before throwing herself out of a window has appeared in-person in court for the first time.

A mum has appeared in-person in court for the first time accused of killing her three children before throwing herself out of a window. Lindsay Clancy, 35, asked husband Patrick if he could go to a nearby chemist and pick up some medication for one of their children on his way for a takeaway – but in the time he was out of the house, his three children – Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8-months-old – all died.

Lindsay has been accused of strangling her three children with fitness bands in the basement of their home, and she has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. After the alleged crime, she jumped out of her bedroom window, and became paralysed below the neck. She has previously appeared at court hearings via-video link from hospital, where her parents have been visiting her, but last week she made her first in-person appearance in a wheelchair.

Her legal representative has asked for the trial to be split into two parts, the first which will examine her alleged role in the deaths of her children, and the second which would take place if she is found guilty of their murder. This next trial would interrogate and decide if she was suffering from post-natal psychosis at the time, reports the Mirror.

Her mother, Paula, who has been visiting Lindsay at the Tewksbury State Hospital where she has been receiving treatment, told news outlets about her daughter: “She’s a lovely mother, she always has been”.

Lindsay’s father has also been going to see his daughter on a daily basis at the hospital in Massachusetts. Her husband Patrick has launched a civil wrongful death suit against Lindsay’s former nurse practitioner and psychiatrist, accusing them of overprescribing her medications “to the point where she heard voices,” The Sun reports.

Lindsay had reportedly been given antidepressants and mood stabilisers, and was on 12 different medications at the time of her children’s deaths. Just weeks before she had left a residential facility where she had spent five days being treated for mental health issues and had been given two new prescriptions.

It’s claimed that Patrick was not informed that Lindsay was so unwell she should not be left alone. Her legal team also alleges that some of the medications cause severe side effects, including “homicidal and suicidal ideation.”

In December 2022, she was evaluated by medical professionals for post-natal depression and was told she did not have the symptoms that indicated she had developed it, but later that month she admitted she was having suicidal thoughts and thinking about hurting her children, which her husband Patrick reported to the police.

On January 1 2023, she admitted herself to McLean Psychiatric Hospital in Belmont, where she spent five days. Upon leaving there was no record of an indication that she was a danger to other people or herself.

Just three weeks later, Patrick told a friend who had come round for dinner that Lindsay was struggling intensely. The following day, January 23, she wrote a note to herself admitting she has “a touch of postpartum anxiety.”

The next day would be the last of her three children’s lives. It began filled with the usual appointments and outings that a young mother might regularly undertake: Lindsay took her eldest child to the doctor, and then played in the snow with her kids in the afternoon. She called a pharmacy enquiring about a laxative for one of the children, and asked her husband to pick it up while he went to grab them a takeaway from a local restaurant.

Just after 5.30pm he spoke with Lindsay on the phone and she confirmed which would the right medication to get for their child. Half an hour later he came back to the property they lived at in Duxbury, Massachusetts, to find “silence”.

The door to the couple’s bedroom was locked and he claimed that when he got inside the room the window was open and there was blood on the floor. Lindsay lay severely injured on the ground outside.

He called the emergency services and asked his wife where the children were: he found their bodies in the basement. He tried to revive his children but was unsuccessful, telling police who arrived “she killed the kids”.

Lindsay has alleged that she heard voices in her head that day and claimed that a man told her to kill her children. She has been on suicide watch in hospital after her arrest and her full trial is due to take place in July at Plymouth Superior Court, US, where it will be decided if she had mental capacity and legal responsibility.

For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email **jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

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The US and Israel launched attacks across Iran on Saturday, with US President Donald Trump later saying Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Khamenei’s compound in Tehran had been destroyed in a “powerful, surprise strike”.

Iranian authorities have not confirmed Khamenei’s death, and Iranian news agencies have reported he is “steadfast and firm in commanding the field”.

Iran responded to the US-Israel attack by launching missiles and drones towards Israel and four Gulf Arab countries which host US military bases: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE.

Video produced by Amy Walker.

More on this story.

Donald Trump has claimed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead following US and Israeli strikes, calling him ‘one of the most evil people in history’ – but Iran disputes the reports

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Donald Trump has spoken out following reports that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may have perished after US and Israeli strikes on Iran overnight, though Iran has disputed these claims.

The US President asserts that Khamenei has died, branding him “one of the most evil people in History” and suggesting this development aligns with his aims to establish peace across the Middle East, reports the Daily Star.

Taking to Truth Social, he declared: “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS.

“He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.

“We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us. As I said last night, “Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death! Hopefully, the IRGC and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots, and work together as a unit to bring back the Country to the Greatness it deserves.

“That process should soon be starting in that, not only the death of Khamenei but the Country has been, in only one day, very much destroyed and, even, obliterated. The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!”

The US President spoke earlier to NBC News before his Truth Social post tonight and when asked about reports of the death of the Iranian Supreme Leader, he responded: “We feel that is a correct story.”

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed in a significant attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States, Israeli officials informed The Associated Press on Saturday. However, Iran has since refuted claims of his demise.In a brief phone interview with NBC News, Trump further stated that “a large amount of leadership” of Iran had been eliminated, clarifying: “I don’t mean like two people.”

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He also claimed that “most” of Iran’s senior leadership is “gone,” including many decision-makers. When questioned about who might succeed Iran’s supreme leader, Trump quipped, “I don’t know. But at some point they’ll be calling me to ask who I’d like,” before acknowledging he was “only being a little sarcastic” with the remark.

The purported killing of the Islamic Republic’s second-ever leader, who had named no heir apparent, would plunge its future into uncertainty and heighten the likelihood of prolonged conflict amid Iranian vows of vengeance.During a nationally broadcast statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared there were “growing signs” that Khamenei had perished when Israel targeted his compound in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Following the address, two Israeli officials confirmed his death had been verified.

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Both sources requested anonymity ahead of an official declaration and provided no additional information.

Khamenei took over from Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who spearheaded the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He wielded ultimate authority over all significant policy matters, commanding Iran’s clerical hierarchy and its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard – the twin pillars of power within the nation’s theocratic system.

As the assault on Iran progressed, President Donald Trump called upon the Iranian people to “seize control of your destiny” by mounting an uprising against the Islamic regime.In footage announcing the “major combat operations,” Trump addressed Iranians directly: “when we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”