Iranian President Vows Retaliation Against US-Israel Following Khamenei's Death: "Great Crime"

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed in an attack by the United States and Israel on Tehran. President Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed to respond to Khamenei’s assassination.

“This great crime will never be left without an answer and will open a new chapter in the history of Islamic and Shia world. The pure blood of this high-ranking leader will flow like a raging spring and will eradicate American-Zionist oppression and crime,” Pezeshkian stated, according to Aljazeera on Sunday (1 March 2026).

“This time as well, with all our strength and determination, with the support of the Islamic nation and free people around the world, we will make the perpetrators and commanders of this great crime regret it,” he added.

Pezeshkian also announced seven days of national holiday in addition to 40 days of mourning.

The US and Israel’s attack was characterised by Iran as a violation of national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran stated that the attack struck numerous defence and civilian facilities across various cities throughout the country.

On Sunday (1 March), Iran confirmed the death of its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as a result of the attack. Iran also announced a 40-day mourning period.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that the most violent offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic would commence imminently. Iran quickly swore to avenge Khamenei’s death.

“The heaviest offensive operation in the history of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon begin towards American terrorist regions and occupied bases,” said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).