Global Protests Erupt After Reported Death of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei
Widespread protests erupted globally on Sunday, particularly in Pakistan, following the reported death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The demonstrations, which included attempts to breach diplomatic compounds and resulted in dozens of casualties in Pakistan, occurred after Iranian state media announced Khamenei's death.
Multiple reports attributed Khamenei's death to coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes.
Background: Death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, who had served as Iran's top political authority since 1989, was reported dead on Sunday. Iranian state television and the state-run IRNA news agency announced his death early Sunday. Reports indicated his death followed alleged attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, described by some sources as coordinated air strikes on Tehran.
Hours prior to the official announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump made a statement regarding Khamenei's death.
Trump characterized Khamenei's death as Iranians' "greatest chance" to "take back" their country.
Protests in Pakistan
Protests unfolded across Pakistan on Sunday, primarily led by members of the country's Shia Muslim community. These demonstrations resulted in reports of 20 fatalities and dozens of injuries nationwide.
Karachi
Hundreds of individuals gathered outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi. A group reportedly scaled the consulate's outer gate, entered the driveway, and damaged windows in the main building. Security forces responded with tear gas and gunfire to disperse the crowd.
Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed reported between 9 and 10 fatalities and up to 60 injuries from these clashes.
Skardu
In the Shia-majority Gilgit Baltistan (GB) region, a United Nations office building was set on fire by a large number of protesters. Reports on casualties in Skardu differed; a local government spokesperson reported no casualties, while another account cited at least eight fatalities in the area.
Islamabad
Thousands of protesters, estimated between 5,000 and 8,000, assembled near the Red Zone, a fortified district housing government offices and foreign embassies, including the U.S. Embassy. Protesters displayed placards featuring Khamenei’s image, expressed condemnation of the U.S., and called for action against Israel.
Security forces deployed tear gas and rubber bullets when demonstrators attempted to advance towards roads leading to the Red Zone. Witnesses also reported hearing sounds consistent with live rounds. Doctors at Islamabad’s Poly Clinic reported receiving two bodies and treating at least 35 injured individuals, some from rubber bullet shrapnel.
Organizers from the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, a Shia political party, stated they had an agreement with local authorities for a peaceful protest.
Lahore
Hundreds of protesters also gathered outside the U.S. Consulate in Lahore. While some attempted to damage a security gate, police contained the situation without the use of force.
Pakistan's government condemned the reported joint U.S.-Israel military attack on Iran that led to Khamenei's death. Concurrently, the government also criticized Iran’s subsequent attacks on Gulf nations.
International Demonstrations
Similar demonstrations occurred in other countries following Khamenei's death:
Iraq
Hundreds of Iraqis, many dressed in black, attempted to storm the American embassy compound in Baghdad. Protesters cited Khamenei's martyrdom and demanded the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq.
Indian-administered Kashmir
Several thousand Shia Muslims participated in street demonstrations in Srinagar. Protesters displayed red, black, and yellow flags and chanted anti-Israel and anti-U.S. slogans during what was largely reported as a peaceful gathering.
Official Responses
The Iranian government announced a three-day mourning period for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iraq’s top Shia Muslim cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, urged Iranians to maintain unity.