Iranian President calls Khamenei’s killing a ‘declaration of war against Muslims’

“The Islamic Republic of Iran considers it its legitimate duty and right to avenge the perpetrators and masterminds of this historic crime,” the president said.

Tehran — President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, has described the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in reported US and Israeli strikes as a “declaration of war against Muslims.”

In an official statement, Pezeshkian said the assassination of “the highest political authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran and a prominent leader of Shiism worldwide” would be viewed as an open act of war against Muslims globally, particularly Shiites.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran considers it its legitimate duty and right to avenge the perpetrators and masterminds of this historic crime,” the president said.

The remarks signal a sharp escalation in rhetoric from Iran following the reported strikes, which have significantly heightened tensions with the United States and Israel.

Further developments are expected as regional and international reactions continue to unfold.