Iran’s elite military force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has vowed severe retaliation following reports of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
In a statement broadcast on Sunday by Hezbollah, the IRGC warned that those responsible would face “severe, decisive, and deterrent punishment.”
“The killers of the Imam of the nation will not escape severe, decisive, and deterrent punishment,” the statement said.
The force added that the IRGC, Iran’s armed forces and the Basij militia would confront both internal and external threats, promising what it described as an exemplary response against aggressors.
The statement also urged citizens to unite in defence of the country and demonstrate national solidarity amid rising tensions.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump declared Khamenei dead after the United States and Israel reportedly carried out wide-ranging airstrikes on Iranian targets.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote that Khamenei, whom he described as one of the most dangerous figures in history, had been killed, adding that the strikes represented a major opportunity for the Iranian people to reclaim their country.
He further stated that bombing operations would continue until peace was restored in the Middle East and globally, noting that Israeli forces participated in the attacks.
During Khamenei’s leadership, the Revolutionary Guard grew into Iran’s most powerful military institution, gaining significant political and economic influence beyond that of the regular armed forces.
The development has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict as Iran’s leadership signals readiness for retaliation.
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