Iran Accuses US and Israel of Terrorism and Assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei

Tehran — Iran has accused the United States and Israel of committing terrorism and premeditated assassination against Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In an official statement on Sunday (1 March), Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the combined strike by both nations on Saturday (28 February) as a breach of international law and norms, including the United Nations Charter.

“The terrorist actions by the US and the Zionist regime [Israel], which carried out premeditated 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 on all international principles and norms,” the statement said.

According to Iran’s government, the use of military force against the leadership of a sovereign nation cannot be justified under international law.

The combined US-Israeli strike on Iran in the early hours of Saturday (28 February) targeted several strategic locations, including the capital Tehran. Multiple missiles struck areas near Khamenei’s residence and the presidential palace.

Khamenei and several other senior Iranian officials were killed in the strike, local media reported.

The escalation occurred during 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 Middle Eastern conflict, the Indonesian government has called on all parties to exercise restraint and prioritise diplomatic solutions. President Prabowo Subianto expressed Indonesia’s readiness to serve as a mediator to encourage dialogue between the US, Israel, and Iran.