Fresh details have emerged on how intelligence gathered by the United States played a decisive role in the joint American-Israeli military operation that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to a report by The New York Times on Sunday, intelligence from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) indicated that Khamenei would attend a high-level meeting involving senior Iranian officials at a leadership complex in Tehran. The information reportedly shaped the timing and execution of the coordinated strikes.
Iranian state media confirmed that Khamenei was killed after missiles hit targets in the capital, Tehran, following earlier declarations by Washington and Tel Aviv signalling intentions to pursue regime change in the Islamic Republic.
The newspaper, citing officials familiar with the operation, said the CIA had monitored Khamenei’s movements for months and discovered plans for a Saturday morning gathering of top security and political figures. Although the attack had initially been scheduled for nighttime, US and Israeli planners revised the timetable after receiving updated intelligence.
Washington subsequently shared the intelligence with Israel, which led the strike targeting Iran’s leadership, the report said. Military action reportedly commenced around 6:00 am Israeli time (0400 GMT), with long-range missiles striking the compound at approximately 9:40 am.
Reports indicated that senior national security officials were assembled in one section of the complex, while Khamenei was located in a nearby building when the missiles struck.
Iran’s judiciary confirmed that two senior military figures were also killed in the operation — Revolutionary Guards chief General Mohammad Pakpour and senior security adviser Ali Shamkhani.
In response, Iran has launched retaliatory attacks across parts of the Gulf region, with explosions reported in areas including the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi, and locations close to US military installations, raising fears of a widening regional confrontation.
US President Donald Trump has insisted military operations would persist, stating that American bombing would continue “as long as necessary.”
