The assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei by US and Israeli forces on 28/2 has drawn swift and varied international reactions. The operation targeted defense and intelligence facilities, as well as the residences of numerous senior officials and generals across Iran. Khamenei, 86, died after an attack on his residence, prompting the Iranian government to declare 40 days of national mourning. Iranian state media also confirmed the deaths of several key military officials in the US-Israel operation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin today sent a letter to his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing his "deepest condolences on the assassination" of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Putin stated, "This assassination was carried out brazenly, violating all moral norms of humanity and international law." The Russian leader emphasized that Khamenei would be remembered as "an outstanding statesman who made a significant personal contribution to the development of friendly Russia-Iran relations." Putin also asked President Pezeshkian to "convey the sincerest condolences and support to the Supreme Leader's relatives, the government, and all the people of Iran."

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran in 2025. *Photo: AFP*

China strongly condemned the assassination of Khamenei, describing it as "a serious violation of Iran's sovereignty and security, trampling on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, as well as the basic norms of international relations." The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated, "We resolutely oppose and strongly condemn this," while also calling for an "immediate cessation of military operations."

North Korea also condemned the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, labeling them "illegal acts of aggression and the most despicable form of sovereignty violation." Pyongyang asserted that this military action revealed the "brazen and gangster-like behavior" of Washington and Tel Aviv, who have chosen to "abuse military force to pursue selfish ambitions and hegemony."

In contrast to these condemnations, the French government expressed its support for the US and Israel's actions. A French government spokesperson remarked, "Khamenei was recently responsible for the deaths of thousands of civilians in his country and the region. We can only express satisfaction at his passing."

Losses to Iran's power structure. *Graphic: RYV*

Meanwhile, European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Policy Kaja Kallas viewed Khamenei's assassination as a pivotal moment in Iran's history. She stated, "I am in contact with partners, including those in the region who are heavily impacted by Iran's military actions, to find practical steps to de-escalate tensions."

Pope Leo XIV also called for an end to the "spiral of violence" in the Middle East on the same day. The Pope urged, "Given the risk of a tragedy of immense scale, I urge all parties involved to bear the moral responsibility to prevent the spiral of violence before it becomes an unhealable abyss. Stability and peace are not built by mutual threats or weapons, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue."

Huyen Le (According to AFP)