Guterres Says UN Cannot Confirm Khamenei’s Death After U.S.–Israeli Strikes

United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres

Guterres Says UN Cannot Confirm Khamenei’s Death After U.S.–Israeli Strikes

New York — March 1, 2026

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for restraint and de-escalation following reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed during pre-dawn U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran.

Speaking at an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council at UN headquarters in New York, Guterres said the situation across Iran remained “very fluid”, stressing that the United Nations has not independently confirmed reports of Khamenei’s death.

The meeting was convened amid rapidly escalating tensions after the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on multiple Iranian cities. According to information presented to the Council, about 20 cities across Iran were reportedly hit, with large explosions observed in districts housing key state institutions, including the Presidential Palace and the Supreme Leader’s compound in Tehran.

Guterres told diplomats that several high-ranking Iranian officials were reported killed during the assault and noted claims from Israeli sources that Khamenei was among the dead. However, he cautioned that the UN was not in a position to verify those claims, urging all parties to avoid actions that could further destabilise the region and threaten international peace and security.

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The Security Council session was marked by sharp exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions among major powers. Iran’s ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, accused the United States of aggression and warned against what he described as disrespectful conduct during the debate. His remarks drew a firm response from the U.S. envoy, Mike Waltz, who accused Iran’s leadership of decades of repression, including the killing and imprisonment of Iranian citizens seeking political freedom.

Tensions intensified further after U.S. President Donald Trump declared on social media that Iran’s supreme leader was dead following the joint military assault. Trump described the reported killing as “justice” for Iranians and others harmed by Iran’s leadership and called on Iranians to “take back their country.” He also suggested that Iran’s security forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, should align with what he called Iranian patriots to rebuild the nation.

Trump added that U.S.–Israeli military operations would continue as long as necessary to achieve what he described as peace in the Middle East, raising fears of further escalation despite the uncertainty surrounding Khamenei’s fate.

As the emergency meeting continued behind closed doors, diplomats said the Security Council was expected to issue a press statement, though disagreements among key members could limit a unified response. With Iran facing potential leadership uncertainty and military action ongoing, analysts warn the region may be entering one of its most dangerous and unpredictable moments in decades.