Iran’s state television confirmed that Ali Khamenei was killed in coordinated airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel, marking a dramatic escalation in the ongoing West Asia conflict. The 86-year-old cleric was reportedly targeted in strikes on key locations in Tehran, with U.S. President Donald Trump announcing the operation and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirming Israel’s role.
Following the announcement, protests and mourning marches broke out in several parts of India, including Srinagar, Bandipora, Baramulla and Lucknow, where members of the Shia community took to the streets carrying black flags and portraits of Khamenei, condemning the strikes and expressing solidarity with the people of Iran.
Marches in Jammu & Kashmir and Lucknow
Members of the Shia community held mourning marches on Sunday (March 1) morning in Srinagar and other parts of Jammu & Kashmir, as well as in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow. Protesters carried portraits of Khamenei, black flags and banners expressing solidarity with Iran.
Traditional mourning chants (Nauha) were heard in parts of Srinagar, where demonstrators described the killing as an act of aggression by the United States and Israel. Several protesters accused Washington and Tel Aviv of oppressing innocent civilians and vowed that resistance would continue.
#WATCH | Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir: Shia Muslims in Budgam stage a demonstration against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been killed in Israeli and US strikes pic.twitter.com/NuyNcyp6WT
— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2026
In Baramulla and other areas, participants stated that their procession was peaceful while expressing grief over the reported assassination.
The Jammu & Kashmir Shia Association issued a statement on X mourning the death of Khamenei’s family members. “We mourn the martyrdom of the family members of Imam Khamenei. Our prayers are with the Leader and the people of Iran,” the organisation said.
#WATCH | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Shia Muslims take to the streets in Lucknow to protest against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been killed in Israeli and US strikes pic.twitter.com/CupcvHASaT
— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2026
Speaking to ANI, Shia community leader Syed Samar Kazmi said Khamenei had been targeted for speaking out against the killings in Palestine. He alleged that the attack was carried out through deception and said such actions would not silence resistance.
In Lucknow, protesters raised slogans against the United States and Israel. One demonstrator told ANI that their leader had refused to bow under threats and warned that the struggle would continue despite the killing.
In Alipur village near Bengaluru, local organisers announced a three-day mourning period.
Confirmation from Tehran, Claims from Washington
Iran’s state television confirmed that the 86-year-old leader was killed in strikes carried out in coordination between the United States and Israel. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the killing on Truth Social, describing Khamenei as “one of the most evil people in history” and stating that he was unable to evade American and Israeli intelligence systems.
The strikes were reportedly conducted alongside Israeli forces led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, targeting key sites in Tehran. Israel named its operation “Operation Lion’s Roar,” while the United States referred to its campaign as “Operation Epic Fury.”
Iran has declared 40 days of national mourning.
Conflicting reports and Celebrations
While Tehran confirmed Khamenei’s death, earlier reports suggested uncertainty regarding his fate. Subsequent broadcasts from Iranian state television described him as “martyred.”
Videos circulating on international media platforms showed scenes of both mourning and celebration inside and outside Iran. Reports indicated that some crowds in Iranian cities were heard chanting slogans against the Islamic Republic, while expatriate groups in cities such as London were seen celebrating.
Iranian activist Masih Alinejad shared videos online showing individuals celebrating, while former Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy also posted footage of gatherings reacting to the news.
Exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians to unite for what he described as a stable transition, calling any attempt by the current regime to appoint a successor “doomed to fail.”
Escalating Regional Fallout
The reported killing occurred amid an expanding military confrontation between Iran and Israel, including missile exchanges and retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region. Iran’s National Security Council warned that the assassination would serve as the “launchpad for a great uprising against the tyrants,” signalling potential further escalation.
Authorities in Jammu & Kashmir monitored protests closely, though demonstrations remained peaceful. The events highlight the continuing resonance of developments in West Asia within segments of India’s population.
