How did the world leaders react to killing of Iran’s Ali Khamenei?
Death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in joint U.S.-Israeli strike has prompted outpouring of responses from governments
TEHRAN (MNTV) – The death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike has prompted an outpouring of responses from governments and international bodies, with many warning of dangerous consequences for regional and global stability.
Iran announced it had launched retaliatory strikes against Israeli and American targets across the Middle East, hitting sites in Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Oman.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps separately declared it had targeted U.S. military bases throughout the region, vowing further revenge. Multiple countries moved to close their airspace amid the intensifying hostilities.
Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers were set to convene via emergency video conference on Sunday, while EU top diplomats and the UN Security Council also held urgent consultations.
Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian called the strike an “open declaration of war against Muslims,” particularly Shia Muslims, describing it as “the greatest trial facing the Islamic world today.”
Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz praised Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli military, writing on X: “He who acted to destroy Israel – has been destroyed.” He characterized the operation as a decisive blow to what he called the “axis of evil” and signaled that military operations would continue.
United States President Donald Trump celebrated Khamenei’s death on Truth Social, calling him “one of the most evil people in History,” while simultaneously warning Tehran against any further retaliation, threatening to respond with overwhelming and unprecedented force.
Russia President Vladimir Putin condemned the killing as a “cynical murder” that violated international law and basic human morality. The Kremlin published a message of condolence to President Pezeshkian in which Putin praised Khamenei as a statesman who had elevated Russian-Iranian ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership.”
China Beijing issued a sharp condemnation, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs calling the strike a violation of Iranian sovereignty and a breach of the UN Charter. China demanded an immediate halt to all military operations.
European Union EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called Khamenei’s death “a defining moment in Iran’s history,” suggesting it could open a path toward greater freedom for the Iranian people. She said she was coordinating with regional partners to identify concrete steps toward de-escalation.
United Kingdom Defense Secretary John Healey said his primary concern was protecting British personnel and civilians from Iranian strikes, adding bluntly that “no one will mourn” Khamenei’s passing.
Hamas The Palestinian group mourned Khamenei, calling him a steadfast supporter of their cause and condemning the strike as a “heinous” act of aggression. Hamas called on Arab and Muslim nations to take immediate and decisive action in response.
Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed personal sadness over Khamenei’s death and extended his sympathies to the people of Iran.
Yemen’s Houthis The Houthi political leadership offered condolences and described the strike as a violation of international law and an attack on the broader Islamic world.
North Korea Pyongyang condemned the strikes as an illegal act of aggression, accusing the U.S. and Israel of exploiting military power to pursue what it called “hegemonic ambitions.”
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed solidarity with Iran and offered condolences, voicing concern over the broader precedent set by targeting a head of state. Sharif called Khamenei a ‘martyr.’
India The main opposition Indian National Congress party condemned the strike, calling it an assassination carried out without a formal declaration of war. The ruling government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously raised concerns about rising tensions but had not issued a formal statement specifically addressing Khamenei’s death.
Chad President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno sent condolences to Iran, expressing solidarity with the Iranian people during what he called a difficult ordeal.
Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim offered an unequivocal condemnation, warning that the killing pushes the region toward “grave and sustained instability” and cautioning that those welcoming Khamenei’s death should carefully consider the unpredictable consequences that existential threats can unleash.
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