United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has told the UN Security Council that 20 cities across Iran, including Tehran, Isfahan, Kumbh, and Tabriz, were attacked in strikes by Israel and the US.

“In Tehran, large explosions were reported in the district that includes the presidential palace and the compound of the supreme leader,” he said.

“Several high-ranking officials have been killed, including, according to Israeli sources, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whom I am not in a position to confirm.

“Iran’s airspace has been closed, and the country is under a near-total internet blackout,” the UN chief said, adding that the attacks have caused significant civilian casualties.