Iranian state media has released what it claims is the last image of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, captured moments before his reported death in a US-Israel airstrike.
Read More: Iran’s leader Khamenei assassinated in US-Israel blitz
According to reports, the image was obtained from CCTV footage at his office and shows Khamenei reciting the Holy Quran shortly before the strike. The release of the image comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing conflict in the region.
Tehran publishes the last picture taken of Islamic Revolution leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei at his office in the Iranian capital before his martyrdom. pic.twitter.com/sPm3fpZCKb
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) March 27, 2026
Iranian authorities say Khamenei, 86, was killed on February 28 during a large-scale aerial assault targeting multiple locations across the country. However, independent verification of the circumstances surrounding his death remains limited, and no detailed official account has been publicly released beyond state media reports.
Khamenei had been a central figure in Iranian politics for decades. He served as Iran’s president from 1981 to 1989 before assuming the role of supreme leader, a position he held for over 36 years. His tenure made him one of the longest-serving heads of state in the region.
Throughout his political career, Khamenei survived multiple threats, including an assassination attempt in 1981 attributed to the Mujahedin-e Khalq. In that incident, a bomb hidden in a tape recorder exploded near him during a public engagement at a mosque, leaving him seriously injured but alive.
The reported release of his final image is likely to carry symbolic and political significance within Iran, where he remained a key authority figure until his death. Analysts say such imagery may be used to reinforce narratives of resilience and martyrdom during times of conflict.
Read More: Iran denies Israeli airstrike targeted Khamenei’s residence
The situation continues to evolve, with regional and global reactions expected as more details emerge about the reported strike and its broader implications.