Iran releases first footage of damage inside Ali Khamenei’s residence after US-Israel strike

3 min readNew DelhiJul 9, 2026 02:37 PM IST

The flower petal-covered coffin of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is carried above mourners reaching out to touch it outside the Imam Hussein Shrine in Karbala, Iraq, early Thursday, July 9, 2026. (AP Photo)

Iranian state media on Thursday released, for the first time, footage showing the damage inside late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s residential compound following the US-Israeli strike that killed him on February 28.

The footage was released on the day Khamenei is set to be buried in Mashhad, bringing to a close week-long funeral ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader.

Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was injured in the February 28 attack. Mojtaba’s wife, Zahra, and his teenage son, Mohammad Bagher, and Ali Khamenei’s 14-month-old granddaughter were also killed in the same attack.

Khamenei’s funeral was postponed from March to July amid escalation in the war between the US and Iran.

What does the video show?

The video shared by Iranian media shows extensive damage and debris within the hall inside Khamenei’s residential compound in Tehran. It showcases huge structures in ruins and mounds of rubble that resulted from the US-Israel joint strikes that killed Khamenei.

The compound, known as Beyt-e Rahbari, serves as the headquarters of Iran’s Supreme Leader and is regarded as the centre of political and religious power in the Islamic Republic.

On February 28, soon after the attack, pictures showing smoke billowing from the compound had gone viral on social media. Damage was reported to several buildings, a CNN report released at the time stated.

Story continues below this ad

Khamenei’s residential compound, also known as the beyt-e rahbari, has served as the hub of power in the Islamic country and serves as the nerve centre of Iran’s theocratic rule.

Ali Khamenei to be buried today

Last week, processions of Khamenei’s coffin in Tehran and other cities brought out huge crowds of supporters in a show of strength at the core of the Islamic Republic, essentially by those who regarded him as a defender of clerical rule, as he stood up against the West and Israel, the Associated Press reported.

His funeral ceremony is set to conclude with his burial in his hometown of Mashhad, the holy city in northeastern Iran, today.

Khamenei succeeded Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as Supreme Leader in 1989 and became the Islamic Republic’s most powerful political and religious figure. He was 86 at the time of his death and led the Islamic Republic for 36 years.

Story continues below this ad

Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, succeeded him as Supreme Leader in early March.

© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd

The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis.

A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students.

All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence.

Core Team

The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy:

Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership.

Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage.

Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Iran Supreme Leader

Iran War