World Leaders React to Khamenei Killing

World leaders across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East issued condolences or condemnations following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei in U.S.-Israeli strikes, with several framing the assassination as a breach of sovereignty and international law.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan conveyed condolences to what he described as the “brotherly people of Iran,” saying: “I extend my condolences to the brotherly people of Iran… and wish Allah’s mercy upon Khamenei.”

He added that Türkiye will “firmly pursue efforts” to restore diplomacy and regional stability.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his “most sincere sympathy & support” to Iran’s leadership and condemned the killing as a “cynical assassination” and a violation of international law and human morality.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the act as “a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security.” Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Mao Ning further said “the U.S.-Israeli strikes have no UN Security Council authorization and violate international law.”

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his government joined “the people of Iran in their hour of grief,” while also expressing concern over “violation of the norms of international law.”

He stressed that “Heads of State/Government should not be targeted,” calling the death an “irreparable loss.”

Several governments explicitly invoked international law. South Africa’s president condemned the U.S.-Israeli strikes as unlawful, stating that “anticipatory self-defence is not permitted under international law and self-defence cannot be based on assumption or anticipation.” He urged “maximum restraint” to prevent escalation.

North Korea described the killing as an “illegal act of aggression” while Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev sent a message of sorrow to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan transmitted condolences in a formal letter.

Leaders from Malaysia and Cuba also offered condolences, with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemning the attacks and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel sharing a message of sympathy.

Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri extended condolences, while Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem described Khamenei’s death as “a great loss.”

Hamas likewise offered condolences to the Iranian leadership and people.

Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno expressed “fraternal compassion” and support to Iran during what he called a “difficult ordeal.”

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rejected the unilateral U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran, describing it as an escalation that risks deepening global instability. Sánchez called for immediate de-escalation, full respect for international law, and a return to dialogue to achieve a lasting political solution.

The breadth of reactions reflects the sensitivity surrounding the targeted killing of a sitting head of state. While some states focused on expressions of sympathy, others centered their responses on the legality of the strike and the broader implications for sovereignty and the prohibition on the use of force.

Across multiple continents, the common themes were calls for restraint, adherence to international law, and a return to diplomacy, underscoring concerns that the assassination could intensify regional instability and further strain the global legal order.