Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in US and Israeli strikes, according to Iranian state media, as another wave of attacks reportedly hit the country on Sunday.
The assassination triggered strong reactions from several countries and international figures, many urging restraint and de-escalation.
In Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the targeting of Iran’s supreme leader. In a post on X, he described the act as a violation of international law and stated that it is an established convention that heads of state or government should not be targeted.
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the killing as a “cynical murder” and said it violated moral standards and international law. He expressed condolences to Iran over what he called a serious breach of global norms.
China also strongly condemned the assassination. In a statement, Beijing said the attack was a serious violation of Iran’s sovereignty and the principles of the UN Charter. Chinese officials called for an immediate halt to military operations.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the killing and warned that it could push the Middle East into deeper instability. He extended condolences to the Iranian government and people.
Indonesia’s Ulema Council (MUI) also expressed condolences and criticized the attack, questioning the broader strategy of the United States in the region. The council urged the Indonesian government to reconsider its position in certain international peace initiatives.
North Korea described the strikes as an illegal act of aggression and a violation of sovereignty, according to statements carried by its state media.
Iran’s president called the killing a major tragedy for the country and warned that the United States and Israel would face consequences, saying the act would bring them nothing but embarrassment.
Global tensions remain high as governments and international observers call for calm and a reduction in hostilities to prevent further escalation in the region.
