Iran-Israel War: New satellite imagery reveals the scale of destruction at the Tehran compound formerly used by Ali Khamenei, offering stark before-and-after contrasts of the site. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States. Iran fired missiles at targets in Israel and Gulf Arab states on Sunday after vowing massive retaliation for the killing of Khamenei by the United States and Israel, prompting US President Donald Trump to warn Tehran against further escalation.
Satellite imagery and ground photographs show extensive destruction across the compound, including severe damage to the House of Leadership, known as Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s office and primary residence. Smoke can be seen rising from the roof, while surrounding structures appear heavily impacted, with uprooted trees and multiple buildings still smouldering, POLITICO reported.
( Satellite image shows aftermath ( image credits: X @RT)
By contrast, satellite imagery of the compound prior to the reported strike shows the area largely intact and structurally undisturbed. A large rectangular central building dominates the site, its roof appearing complete and free of visible damage. Surrounding structures are clearly defined and standing, arranged within a densely built compound interspersed with mature trees and greenery. No smoke, debris or signs of structural collapse are visible.
( Satellite image shows before strike ( image credits: X @RT)
The images also capture the Imam Khomeini Hussainia, a religious hall used by Iranian leaders for ceremonies and major speeches. It remains unclear whether the structure was directly hit, although debris appears scattered across its roof. A satellite image from a year ago showed at least six buildings within the complex, all of which are now damaged.
In a televised address on Saturday evening, Benjamin Netanyahu said that “they destroyed the compound of the tyrant Khamenei in the heart of Tehran”, adding that there are “many signs the tyrant himself is no more”. Shortly afterwards, Trump wrote on Truth Social that “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead”. He added that Khamenei was “unable to evade US intelligence and highly sophisticated tracking systems” and that, working closely with Israel, there was nothing he or other leaders killed alongside him could do.
The photos, provided to Business Insider by Airbus, show several collapsed buildings inside a compound in Tehran known to be one of Khamenei’s main residences.
The announcement about the Supreme Leader’s death came hours after President Trump said Khamenei was dead and Netanyahu declared that the Supreme Leader’s compound in Tehran had been destroyed in what he described as a powerful, surprise strike.