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Global reaction to the killing of Iran's Khamenei
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 1, 2026
3 min readLast updated: March 1, 2026
Quick Summary
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint U.S.–Israel strikes on February 28, sparking widespread international reactions marked by condemnation, caution, and concern over Middle East stability.
Global reaction to the killing of Iran's Khamenei
International Responses to Khamenei's Death
LONDON, March 1 (Reuters) - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes, state media confirmed as another wave of attacks hit the country on Sunday.
Below is international reaction to his death.
European Leaders React
European Commission
Ursula von der Leyen
"With Khamenei gone, there is renewed hope for the people of Iran. We must ensure that the future is theirs to claim and shape. At the same time, this moment carries a real risk of instability that could push the region into a spiral of violence."
Italy
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani
"For the moment, Iran is in a transitional phase, and it remains to be seen how long it will last and what impact the war will have. What is certain is that a leader who had guided Iran for decades is gone, and that is bound to have consequences — including the loss of Khamenei’s personal authority over the population."
France
Government Spokesperson Maud Bregeon
"He was responsible for the deaths of thousands of civilians in his country and in the region, so one can only welcome his disappearance. It is now up to the Iranian people to choose their own destiny."
European Union
Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas
"The death of Ali Khamenei is a defining moment in Iran’s history. What comes next is uncertain. But there is now an open path to a different Iran, one that its people may have greater freedom to shape."
Other International Reactions
Russia
President Vladimir Putin
"Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the murder of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law."
Sweden
Foreign Minister Maria Stenergard
"Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been confirmed dead. This could open a window of opportunities. But there are still many uncertainties remaining.
"Iran's future must belong to the people. But the road there is long. The risk of a spiral of violence in the Middle East remains great."
Indonesia
Ulema Muslim Clerical Council
"The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) expressed its deepest condolences for the death of Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, as a result of the Israeli-American attack on February 28.
"The United States, which is playing a central role in managing the Palestinian conflict through the BoP (Board of Peace), faces a major question: is this strategy truly aimed at a just peace, or is it actually strengthening an unequal security architecture and burying Palestinian independence? Therefore, the MUI urges the Indonesian government to revoke its membership from the BoP."
(Reporting by Reuters bureausCompiled by Emelia Sithole-MatariseEditing by David Goodman)
Key Takeaways
- •Russia’s President Putin denounced the killing as a violation of morality and international law.
- •Sweden’s Foreign Minister sees both risks and an opportunity, stressing Iran’s future must lie with its people.
- •Indonesia’s Ulema Council condemned the attack and urged withdrawal from the U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’.
Frequently Asked Questions about Global reaction to the killing of Iran's Khamenei
1Who was responsible for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei?
According to state media, Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
2How did Russian President Vladimir Putin respond to Khamenei's death?
Putin offered deep condolences and condemned the murder as a violation of human morality and international law.
3What was Sweden's reaction to the death of Iran's Supreme Leader?
Sweden expressed that Khamenei's death could open opportunities but warned of ongoing uncertainties and the risk of more violence in the Middle East.
4How did Indonesia's Ulema Council respond to Khamenei's killing?
The Indonesian Ulema Council expressed condolences and questioned U.S. strategy in the region, urging Indonesia to leave the Board of Peace.
5What concerns did international reactions raise about the Middle East after Khamenei's death?
International leaders highlighted risks of escalating violence and instability following the incident.
