The Middle East was thrown into chaos tonight after former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in a wave of airstrikes — a statement that has no independent confirmation but is already shaking markets and fueling speculation of regime collapse.

In a late‑night post on his social media platform, Trump wrote that “Khamenei is gone” and praised what he called “a historic victory for freedom,” suggesting U.S. and Israeli forces were behind the strike on a “secret command bunker” near Tehran. The White House has refused to comment, while the Pentagon issued a carefully worded statement saying it is “aware of reports” and is “assessing the situation.”

Tehran, for its part, is calling the claims “lies and psychological warfare.” State TV briefly aired audio it says is Khamenei addressing security chiefs from a secure location, but the clip was short, heavily edited and immediately questioned by analysts. On the streets of several Iranian cities, reports describe a tense mix of fear, confusion and quiet celebration as rival rumors race through encrypted apps.

Oil prices have spiked, safe‑haven currencies are surging and embassies across the region are moving to reduced staff as governments brace for the possibility of a violent power struggle inside Iran — or a furious external response if the reports prove true. For now, one thing is clear: whether Khamenei is alive or dead, Trump’s explosive claim has catapulted an already dangerous confrontation into utterly uncharted territory.