The gathering of thousands of people on the streets of Tehran following reports of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is a highly significant and intense development. The Iranian state news agency, Tasnim, has confirmed that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in American and Israeli strikes. Following this news, 40 days of mourning and a seven-day public holiday have been announced in Iran.
People taking to the streets of Tehran say they are mourning the death of their leader and condemn the attack. U.S. President Donald Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, that the 86-year-old Khamenei was killed in joint U.S.-Israeli strikes that began early Saturday morning.
The Israeli military has claimed that Iran’s defense leadership has been eliminated. According to them, those killed include Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, Security Affairs Advisor Ali Shamkhani, and Revolutionary Guard Commander Mohammad Pakpour.
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Iran’s Retaliation and Regional Response
In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has launched a “sixth wave” of attacks, targeting Israeli and U.S. military bases. According to Israeli media, Iran has fired approximately 400 missiles, targeting U.S. military bases in Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.
Iran’s retaliatory actions following the U.S. and Israeli strikes have pushed tensions in the Middle East to a new level. Iran has carried out missile strikes on U.S. bases, leading to a high alert being issued across the region.
European countries have expressed fears of a wider war breaking out in the Middle East and have begun taking immediate steps to ensure the safety of their citizens. French President Emmanuel Macron described the conflict as having “serious consequences for international peace and security.”
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard stated they are forcefully responding to the U.S. and Israeli attacks and will continue to target U.S. military bases in the region. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has also struck Iran’s nuclear facilities, following which loud explosions were heard in Tehran. A high alert has been issued in Qatar, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi, and the U.S. military has instructed its citizens to remain in secure locations.
Impact on Pakistan
Analysts suggest that the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran could also have repercussions for Pakistan. Iran has several options for retaliation, which could pose threats to Pakistan’s border security. Former Ambassador Masood Khan stated that the dangerous effects of the war would manifest in Pakistan as well. He noted that Iran has vowed revenge and that the Iran-Israel war currently poses a massive challenge for Pakistan.
He suggested that Pakistan should openly condemn these actions because Iran will now operate without restraint. He remarked that the U.S. is merely wearing a “cloak of decency” and this is not a new deception. However, it is noted that if Iran continues to target U.S. bases in the Middle East, it could face further isolation.
A Tribute to the Leader
This moment is undoubtedly tragic and painful. However, the reality is that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was not just a leader but a pillar, a symbol, and an unwavering protector for the Muslim Ummah. Martyrs always live on in the hearts of Muslims.
Throughout his life, he struggled for Iran and the Muslim Ummah, never bowing down to any pressure or agreements. Under his leadership, not just a country but an entire Ummah was protected and guided. His efforts remain radiant in hearts and memories. He was like a lamp that always provided light, no matter how difficult the circumstances. His martyrdom teaches us that those who walk the path of truth and faith never perish; instead, they live forever in the hearts of the people, and his sacrifice serves as an example and a source of guidance for every Muslim.
By Abdul wahab
