Controversial Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has spoken on the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
In a message posted on his Facebook page on Sunday, Gumi described Khamenei as fortunate, stating that he died in what he characterised as a jihad against those responsible for the killing of innocent women and children in Gaza and other places.
He further noted that the late Iranian leader’s blood would spark transformation within the Muslim ummah, asserting that Khamenei stood resolutely for justice and did not conceal himself in bunkers.
He also warned that those behind his death, or anyone who aided it, would ultimately face the consequences of their actions.
Gumi wrote, “Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: A lucky soul, he died in Jihad against killers of innocent children and women in Gaza and elsewhere. His blood will fuel the change in the ummah. He stood firmly for Justice and didn’t hide in bunkers. For those who killed him or assisted in killing him, let us see what they will live to do in this world.”
Iran had earlier announced 40 days of national mourning and declared a seven-day public holiday following Khamenei’s death. The announcement was broadcast on state television on Sunday after authorities formally confirmed the development.
According to the BBC, Iran’s state television news channel, Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN), aired images of Khamenei accompanied by Qur’an recitations, with a black banner displayed at the top left of the screen as a mark of mourning.
A presenter read a statement from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirming his death and accusing the United States and Israel of carrying out the strike that led to it. The council described his passing as martyrdom and said it would mark the beginning of an uprising against what it termed oppressors.
Meanwhile, United States President, Donald Trump, had earlier announced Khamenei’s killing in a post on Truth Social late on Saturday.
Trump labelled Khamenei as one of the most evil figures in history and said his death amounted to justice for Iranians, Americans and others worldwide who had suffered under his leadership.
He added that the situation presented what he described as the greatest opportunity for the Iranian people to reclaim their country, claiming that members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as well as military and security forces, were reportedly unwilling to continue fighting and were seeking immunity.
The official confirmation followed earlier reports by Israeli sources alleging that Khamenei was killed during Saturday’s strikes.