India offers condolences after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed in a US–Israel strike. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signs the condolence register in New Delhi
New Delhi: India has officially expressed condolences following the reported death of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, who was said to have been killed in a joint United States–Israel airstrike on February 28. On behalf of the Government of India, Vikram Misri visited the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi and signed the condolence register to pay tribute to the late leader.
The diplomatic gesture comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following the escalation of hostilities involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Foreign Secretary Visits Iranian Embassy
Officials confirmed that Vikram Misri visited the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi and conveyed condolences to Iranian representatives.
“India extends condolences on the passing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,” officials said during the diplomatic visit.
India’s message of sympathy reflects its longstanding diplomatic relations with Iran and its concern over developments in the region.
Khamenei Reportedly Killed in Missile Strike
According to reports circulating in international media, Ali Khamenei was killed when around 30 missiles struck his compound in a joint military operation reportedly carried out by United States and Israel.
Khamenei had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, making him one of the most powerful political and religious figures in the Islamic Republic for more than three decades.
His wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, was also reportedly injured during the attack and later succumbed to her injuries during treatment. She had largely stayed away from public life after marrying Khamenei in 1964.
Several Family Members and Commanders Reportedly Killed
Reports suggest that the missile attack on the compound resulted in the deaths of around 40 senior commanders and family members.
The victims reportedly included members of Khamenei’s extended family. The Iranian leader is survived by six children, four sons and two daughters, including Mostafa Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei, Masoud Khamenei, Meysam Khamenei, and daughters Boshra Khamenei and Hoda Khamenei.
Among them, Mostafa Khamenei, the eldest son, is known to be a religious scholar and had previously participated in the Iran–Iraq War.
Succession Debate Intensifies in Iran
Following the death of Ali Khamenei, attention has now turned toward the question of who will become Iran’s next Supreme Leader.
One of the prominent names reportedly being discussed is Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the late leader. Media reports suggest that his name is being considered amid support from influential figures within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
However, no official confirmation regarding the succession has been announced so far.
