President Pezeshkian calls Khamenei's killing historic turning point for Islamic world

TEHRAN (Dunya News) - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian released his first statement after the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling it a decisive turning point in the history of the Islamic world.

Iranian media has reported that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was martyred in a joint US-Israeli attack while performing official duties at his office. Reports claim that members of his family, including his son, daughter-in-law, daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter were also killed in the strike.

Khamenei, who had led Iran since 1989, was targeted during a wave of coordinated missile attacks carried out by the United States and Israel. Iranian authorities have announced seven days of national holiday and a 40-day mourning period, vowing retaliation.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described the killing as a “great crime,” calling it a turning point for Islamic world. He said those responsible would face a strong and decisive response, adding that the blood of the Supreme Leader would not go unanswered.

Following the attack, Iran reportedly launched retaliatory strikes targeting Israeli territory and US military installations in the Gulf region. Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, while air defense systems were activated in several Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar.