Music, Mourning And Anger Mark Global Reaction To Khamenei’s Death

The world responded with a mix of celebration, anger and concern after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reported killed in a US-Israeli military strike, triggering intense reactions across the globe.

In parts of Tehran, residents were heard cheering, setting off fireworks and playing celebratory music after the announcement, though not all crowds were large amid fears of renewed crackdowns following recent protests. Others in the city mourned, chanting anti-Western slogans and waving flags as Iranian state media announced a 40-day mourning period and public holidays.

International responses were sharply divided. China condemned the killing as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities, while Russia labelled the strike a “cynical violation” of international norms. Conversely, U.S. President Donald Trump described the death as a historic chance for Iranians to reclaim their future, and Israeli leaders urged regime change in Tehran.

The fallout extended beyond Iran. Pro-Iranian protests in Pakistan and Iraq turned deadly, with at least nine people killed in clashes outside the U.S. consulate in Karachi. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards vowed retaliation, heightening fears of broader regional conflict.

Global figures also weighed in: some European leaders called for an end to violence, while others framed Khamenei’s death as a potential moment for change in Iran.