U.S. Denies Involvement in Khamenei's Reported Death

The U.S. government has denied any involvement in the reported death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. American officials, including Elbridge Colby, clarified during a Senate Armed Services Committee meeting that the operation that led to Khamenei's death was conducted by Israeli forces, not U.S. military personnel.

Colby emphasized that the U.S. focus remains on Iran's growing missile capabilities rather than regime change. This statement contrasts with earlier remarks by President Donald Trump, who suggested that Iran's leadership was under close surveillance by U.S. intelligence.

Reports indicate that Khamenei's family members were also present during the operation, which reportedly targeted senior Iranian military figures, including Ali Shamkhani and General Mohammad Pakpour. U.S. officials reiterated that their military operations are strategically limited and do not involve political leadership.

Israeli authorities claimed that the attack is part of a broader campaign to neutralize threats from Tehran, having eliminated 49 senior Iranian military officials to date.