The situation in the Middle East has escalated today after Israel and the US announced that it has launched a "preemptive strike" against Iran, aiming, according to Israeli authorities, to neutralize immediate threats against the country's security.
Multiple reports are circulating following claims that all contact with Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, has been lost following airstrikes on his residential compound in Tehran by the US and Israel.
According to Israeli media outlet Walla, no one has been able to establish contact with Khamenei for several hours and his fate remains unclear, as the compound where he was staying is reported to have been destroyed.
Other media outlets in Israel, including N12 and Channel 1, also quoted a senior official in Tel Aviv as saying: "We would be shocked if Khamenei appeared live. According to our assessment, he is no longer with us, but we are awaiting final confirmation."
Another Israeli source added that the supreme leader “most likely did not survive the attacks.” However, a few minutes earlier, N12 had reported that Khamenei was “at least wounded,” leaving open the possibility that he is alive.
On the other hand, Iranian officials have promised to soon release a recording of Khamenei, which could clarify the situation and quell speculation.
"As far as I know," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with NBC News, "Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is still alive."
"If the Americans want to talk to us, they know where to find us," he added, claiming that Tehran is "seeking a reduction in tensions," is "ready to talk about a deal" once the attacks stop, and "they do not have missiles capable of reaching US territory."