Image Credit: Aljazeera
President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling it “a great crime.”
This attack, attributed to the United States and Israel, has triggered 40 days of national mourning and the declaration of seven public holidays.
Iranian state media reported that Khamenei was killed alongside top security officials and family members during recent military strikes.
Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Tehran noted that large crowds filled the streets in response to Khamenei’s death, leading to expected ceremonies, despite ongoing bombardments.
Protests erupted across various cities, including Shiraz and Lorestan, while neighboring Iraq declared three days of mourning amidst similar demonstrations.
In reaction, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps pledged revenge, launching strikes on U.S. military bases and Israeli facilities in the region.
Explosions have been reported across Qatar and the UAE, with heightened security alerts in place.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran of consequences if it retaliated, stating it would face an unprecedented response.
The aftermath of Khamenei’s assassination has left Iran in a leadership crisis; a temporary council has been formed to oversee the government until a new supreme leader is appointed.
With at least 201 casualties reported from the attacks, including a devastating strike on a school in southern Iran, experts argue the U.S. may face unforeseen challenges as Iran’s leadership remains unyielding in the face of aggression.
