TEHRAN - The Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, was martyred during U.S.-Israeli airstrikes that targeted his office in central Tehran on Saturday.

The Leader was martyred alongside his daughter, son-in-law, grandchild, and a daughter-in-law, according to statements by several Iranian officials.

A team consisting of President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Eje'i will lead the country until the next leader is chosen by the Assembly of Experts, said Mohammad Mokhber, Ayatollah Khamenei's lead aide.

The Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), General Mohammad Pakpour, and Secretary of Iran's Defence Council, Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, were also martyred on Saturday.

Crowds of Iranians had already taken to the streets in the early hours of Sunday to mourn Ayatollah Khamenei’s martyrdom. Iran has announced a 40-day national mourning period.

Ayatollah Khamenei was elected as Iran’s Leader in June 1989, following the passing of the Founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Ruhollah Khomeini.