Some Iranians are celebrating news Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in strikes by the US and Israel.
BBC Persian verified videos of people celebrating in several cities last night.
This morning, most of what is happening on streets appears to be pro-government events to mourn the supreme leader’s death, BBC Persian reports – although it’s still early morning in Iran and that might change later in the day.
Footage on the streets of Isfahan in central Iran show people cheering and honking their car horns in jubilation.
Another video showed people gathering around a bonfire as fireworks lit the night sky. Several families of the killed protesters also celebrated in the streets and at homes.
A report by Reuters news agency says there have also been celebrations in Karaj, a city near Tehran.
In Tehran, images from news agencies show people on the streets mourning, some holding photos of Khamenei.
What happened overnight?
Iran’s army has warned of the “most devastating” retaliation after strikes by the US and Israel killed the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Much has happened in recent hours – if you are just joining us, here’s what you need to know.
- Khamenei was killed in his office, Iranian state TV says. The country has declared 40 days of mourning for the hardline cleric who was in charge for the country for 37 years
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned of a “devastating offensive” in response, saying it would attack US bases and Israel.
- According to the constitution, Khamenei’s successor must be selected by the same body that chose him: the Assembly of Leadership Experts. In the meantime, the president, the head of judiciary and a cleric member of the powerful Guardian Council would usually assume his responsibilities.
- Some Iranians celebrated while others mourned following the strikes and confirmation of Khamenei’s death. Here are photos from the ground
- The killing of the supreme leader is a defining moment in the turbulent history of Iran, our chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet writes
- President Donald Trump earlier said Khamenei was “one of the most evil people in history” and that his death marked “the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country”
- More than 200 people have been killed during the strikes, according to the Red Crescent, and the BBC’s media partner, CBS News, has reported around 40 Iranian officials are dead.
- Iran has launched attacks throughout the Middle East, on US allies and where the US has military bases, including in Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, and Kuwait
- Four people have been injured following an incident at Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, the country’s government says
- The UK is taking part in “co-ordinated regional defensive operations” to protect British people and regional partners, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said
Trump says he will use ‘force never seen before’ if Iran strikes US or Israel
US President Donald Trump has just warned Iran not to strike back at the US and Israel.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, he said, “Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!”
His statement comes after the the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned it would attack US bases and Israel in retaliation for Khamenei’s death.
“The most devastating offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s armed forces will begin toward the occupied territories and American terrorist bases in just moments,” it said a few hours ago.
Rubio to hold call with G7 leaders – US State Department
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will hold a call with G7 leaders about Iran on Sunday, the BBC’s news partner CBS has confirmed.
It is one of a number of calls the Trump administration is expected to have with global leaders and US lawmakers in the coming days.
SOURCE: BBC NEWS
