Iranians Mourn Khamenei as US Protests Trump’s Actions Amid War

On Sunday morning, a substantial crowd convened in Tehran to mourn the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Reports from PREMIUM TIMES indicated that Khamenei was killed the previous day during missile strikes launched by the United States and Israel.

His death was confirmed by Iranian officials early Sunday.

At Enghelab (Revolution) Square, thousands were seen carrying Iranian flags and portraits of Khamenei, mostly dressed in black, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Before the Iranian government confirmed Khamenei's death, US President Donald Trump had declared the cleric's killing, labeling him as "one of the most evil people in history."

Meanwhile, Trump faces backlash in the US for initiating war without Congressional approval, defying the sentiments of a majority of the American populace.

Across various cities in the US, including Washington, D.C., and New York, protests against the war are underway, led by figures such as New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani.

The president justified military actions by claiming that Iran posed a threat to American interests, yet many Republican lawmakers continue to support his decision.

In response to Khamenei's killing, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has promised vengeance and has already targeted US and Israeli positions in the Middle East. Trump has, however, cautioned against such retaliatory actions.

Numerous countries, including Nigeria, have urged for de-escalation and diplomatic discussions between the conflicting parties.

Khamenei’s Successor

In the aftermath of Khamenei's assassination, a three-member council will temporarily oversee Iran's governance. This council comprises President Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, and a representative from the Guardian Council, according to Iranian state news summaries.

This group will handle Khamenei's responsibilities until a successor is appointed by the Assembly of Experts, which consists of 88 influential clerics.