Iran Accuses US and Israel of Planned Assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei
IRAN has accused the United States and Israel of committing terrorism and planned assassination (assassination) against Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
In an official statement on Sunday (1 March), Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised that the combined attack by the two countries on Saturday (28 February) violated principles and norms of international law, including the United Nations Charter.
“The terrorist actions by the US and the Zionist regime [Israel], which carried out planned assassination of the Supreme Leader and other senior officials through military aggression against the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of [Iran], represent an unprecedented assault against all international principles and norms,” the statement said.
According to the Iranian government, the use of military force against the leader of a sovereign state cannot be justified under international law.
The combined US and Israeli strike against Iran on Saturday (28 February) in the early morning hours local time targeted several strategic areas, including the capital Tehran. A number of missiles struck areas near Khamenei’s residence and the presidential palace.
Khamenei and several other senior Iranian officials died in the attack, local media reported.
The escalation occurred amid indirect negotiations between the US and Iran, mediated by Oman, concerning restrictions on Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. The third round of these negotiations took place in Geneva on Thursday (26 February).
In response to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, the Indonesian government called on all parties to exercise restraint and prioritise resolution through diplomatic channels.
President Prabowo Subianto expressed Indonesia’s readiness to serve as a mediator to promote dialogue between the US, Israel, and Iran.
Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was reported killed in the strike on Tehran. Iranian media has not yet provided official confirmation of this report.
The US-Israeli strike on Iran has triggered threats to close the Strait of Hormuz. This vital global energy trade route transports 20 million barrels of oil per day.
Media reports suggest the United States and Israel agreed on the timing of the strike one week before the nuclear negotiations in Geneva.
Former Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla assessed that the US-Israeli strike against Iran would drive up global oil prices, with consequences for Indonesia including increased fuel costs.
The escalation has immediately drawn global attention to disruptions in global logistics supply chains that could strain the economies of many nations.
All border crossings in the Palestinian territories have been officially closed by Israel starting Sunday (local time) for an indefinite period.
China has strongly condemned the US and Israeli strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
FIFA is monitoring tensions resulting from the US military strike on Iran ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but has confirmed that Iran will continue to participate in the final tournament.