World Reacts to Reported Death of Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei: Cheers, Mourning and Fears of Escalation

The world responded with a volatile mix of jubilation, grief and alarm after reports that Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been killed in strikes attributed to US and Israeli forces. Accounts varied across Tehran, the wider Middle East and diaspora communities, with official condemnations and vows of retaliation heightening fears of rapid escalation.

Music and Fireworks in Tehran

Witnesses and video footage verified by AFP showed small groups in parts of Tehran setting off fireworks, playing celebratory music and cheering late at night after the reports of Khamenei's death. These scenes, which reportedly began shortly after 11:00 pm local time, appeared limited in scale: many Iranians remained cautious about public celebrations following a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests earlier in the year.

Mourning and Demonstrations in the Capital

At the same time, AFP journalists reported thousands gathering in central Tehran to mourn the leader. Many mourners were dressed in black and some were visibly crying; chants including "death to America" and "death to Israel" were heard in Enghelab (Revolution) Square as people waved Iranian flags and held photos of Khamenei. Iran's president described the reported killing as a "declaration of war against Muslims," and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed retribution against those responsible.

Regional Violence and Protests

The incident sparked violent protests and attacks beyond Iran's borders. At least nine people were reported killed during an attempt by pro-Iranian demonstrators to storm the US consulate in Karachi, Pakistan. In Baghdad, hundreds of protesters tried to breach the fortified Green Zone that houses the US embassy. Demonstrations were also reported in Srinagar, Istanbul, Seoul, Hyderabad and Athens, with participants alternately mourning Khamenei or condemning the strikes.

Celebrations in the Diaspora

Large Iranian diaspora communities in cities such as Los Angeles and Paris saw jubilant gatherings. In Los Angeles, some marchers waved pre-revolutionary Iranian flags and chanted slogans while others displayed "Free Iran" apparel. Similar rallies were reported across Europe, with demonstrators using pre-1979 flags and images associated with the late shah's family.

International Diplomatic Reactions

Responses from major powers were sharply divided. China called the reported strikes "a serious violation of Iran's sovereignty and security" and urged an immediate halt to military operations. Russia described the act as a "cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law," offering condolences in a letter to Iranian officials. The European Union's foreign policy chief called it a "defining moment," while the Vatican pleaded for an end to the spiral of violence.

Statements From Western And Israeli Leaders

US and Israeli leaders publicly welcomed the outcome. The US president described Khamenei in strongly negative terms and framed the event as an opportunity for change inside Iran. Israel's prime minister urged Iranians to "overthrow the regime," accusing Khamenei of spreading terror abroad. Several Western officials expressed approval or relief, while emphasizing uncertainty about next steps.

Allies, Proxies And Warnings Of Retaliation

Militant groups allied to Iran reacted angrily. Hamas condemned the strikes and blamed the United States and Israel, while Hezbollah vowed to confront what it described as aggression. Iran's powerful security forces also pledged to retaliate against those deemed responsible, raising concerns of wider regional conflict.

Voices On The Ground

Individuals close to the regime and its opponents reacted strongly: a France-based nephew of Khamenei reportedly called the development "a step forward" and expressed hope for political change. In Israel, some commentators described the leader's reported death with triumphal language, using metaphors such as cutting off the "head of the snake."

What Comes Next

Events following the reported killing remain highly uncertain. The mix of jubilant protests, large mourning gatherings, violent attempts on diplomatic sites and stern international condemnations underline the potential for rapid escalation and unpredictable political shifts across the Middle East and beyond.