Khamenei Dies, Iran Declares 40-Day Mourning

Iranian state television confirmed in the early hours of Sunday that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has died.

A presenter on state television announced his death at 5:00 am (0130 GMT). Iranian media also reported the deaths of his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter.

State television declared a 40-day mourning period and seven public holidays following the ayatollah’s death.

Khamenei, 86, had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989.

His killing triggers a constitutional process under which the Iranian President, the head of the judiciary and one cleric from the Guardian Council will form a council to lead the country.