Iran Vows Retaliation After Ayatollah Khamenei Martyrdom

On March 1, 2026, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed in a coordinated assault by U.S. and Israeli forces, which Iranian state media described as air strikes that 'pulverised' his central Tehran compound. This event has sparked widespread outrage and protests across Iran, with many citizens mourning Khamenei as a martyr. President Pezeshkian vowed that 'every perpetrator will face the full fury of Iranian justice,' indicating a strong commitment to retaliation. The Iranian government has declared a 40-day mourning period, further emphasizing the emotional impact of this event on the nation. Meanwhile, protests erupted in various cities, with some groups celebrating Khamenei's death, illustrating a complex and divided sentiment among the populace, as reported by Euronews and the South China Morning Post.