Iran announces 40 days of mourning over Khamenei's death

Iran state television has announced a 40-day mourning period and seven public holidays following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had been in power since 1989.

"With the martyrdom of the supreme leader, his path and mission neither will be lost nor will be forgotten, on the other hand, they will be pursued with greater vigour and zeal," a presenter said.

Earlier on Sunday, Iranian state television confirmed Khamenei’s death, without mentioning any alleged massive US or Israeli attack on his residence.

The announcement followed claims by United States President Donald Trump that Khamenei had been killed in Israeli-US attacks on Iran.

In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guards vowed on Sunday to punish the "murderers" of Supreme Leader Khamenei, following the state television confirmation of his death.

"The hand of revenge of the Iranian nation for a severe, decisive and regrettable punishment for the murderers of the Imam of the Ummah will not let go of them," the Guards said in a statement.

Source: AFP, Al Jazeera