'Not Martyred On The Spot': Khamenei Died Hours After US-Israel Strikes, Says Iran Aide

Last Updated:March 03, 2026, 22:28 IST

Elahi called Khamenei’s death “a moment of immense sorrow for all of us” and urged followers to continue walking on the path he championed.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died in hospital several hours after the joint US-Israeli air strikes, his representative in India Abdul Majid Hakim Elahi said.

“At the time of attack, Ayatollah Khamenei’s son-in-law and daughter died on the spot. However, Ayatollah Khamenei was not martyred at that moment. He was taken to the hospital, and he passed away during treatment there the next day," Elahi told NDTV, describing the final moments of the leader who had been at the helm of Iran for more than four decades.

Elahi called Khamenei’s death “a moment of immense sorrow for all of us" and urged followers to continue walking on the path he championed.

“I hope everyone who raises their voice against oppression will remember his path and continue to walk on it. Ayatollah Khamenei always stood with the oppressed, and he wanted unity to always prevail between Muslims and non-Muslims," he said.

The strike that killed Khamenei also claimed the lives of approximately 10 top military and administrative officials. According to Elahi, Khamenei had been attending a critical meeting at the time of the attack.

Indian Students A Priority Amid Escalation

As Iran retaliated with strikes targeting US and Israeli bases across the Gulf and neighboring countries, including UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, Oman and Jordan, concerns grew for Indian students stranded in the region.

“For us, the top priority is the safety of all Indian students. As always, we are keeping these students in safe places and taking care of them. Whenever they wish to return, we will make full preparations and ensure all arrangements for them," Elahi said.

He also blamed the ongoing crisis on the actions of the United States and Israel, asserting that “everyone is suffering because of them," while emphasizing that Iran is “standing together" amid the turmoil.

News world 'Not Martyred On The Spot': Khamenei Died Hours After US-Israel Strikes, Says Iran Aide

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