Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has condemned the killing of Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, describing it as “a great crime” and vowing that it would not go unanswered.
In a statement issued by his office on Sunday, Pezeshkian warned of consequences for those behind the attack.
The statement read, “This great crime will never remain unanswered and will turn a new page in the history of the Islamic world and Shiism.
“The pure blood of this high-ranking leader will flow like a roaring spring and will eradicate American-Zionist oppression and crime.”
The president pledged a forceful response, saying Iran would act with resolve.
“This time too, with all our strength and determination, with the support of the Islamic nation and the free people of the world, we will make the perpetrators and commanders of this great crime regret it,” he added.
In addition to the 40-day national mourning period already declared, Pezeshkian announced seven days of public holidays to honour the late leader.
Khamenei became Iran’s Supreme Leader in 1989, succeeding Ruhollah Khomeini, who led the 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the Shah.
Khamenei’s death is expected to significantly alter the trajectory of the escalating conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel.
