Iran has been gripped by unrest and profound mourning following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in what Tehran says was a joint Israeli-U.S. strike. The news, formally announced by IRIB on Sunday morning, quickly drew crowds to the streets of the capital.
Major avenues in Tehran became difficult to navigate as citizens gathered in large numbers. Many mourners were seen holding portraits of Khamenei, some weeping openly, while others sat on the ground in quiet prayer. Thousands raised black flags alongside the national flag as a sign of collective grief.
The Iranian government has declared 40 days of national mourning. According to reports, the attack occurred while Khamenei was inside his office compound.
International media note that the death comes amid heightened regional tensions, intensifying an already volatile political climate. Security has been significantly tightened at key sites across Tehran, with increased checkpoints and reports of additional troop deployments.
Political analysts say Khamenei’s death is likely to reshape Iran’s power structure and may have far-reaching implications for the broader geopolitics of the Middle East.
Source: Anadolu Agency.