Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an air strike targeting his compound in downtown Tehran on February 27, 2026. File
| Photo Credit: Reuters
The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint U.S.-Israel strikes was condemned by several opposition parties on Sunday (March 1, 2026).
The Opposition also criticised the Centre’s foreign policy, saying the Government’s response to the war unleashed on Iran, which has been a long-time “friend”, has been a “betrayal” of India’s values, principles, and interests.
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi termed the killing as an “immoral and unlawful act” and expressed hope that the Central Government would play a role in halting the war.
CPI leader D. Raja said that the U.S.-Israel “nexus represents evil in its most naked form”.
“To now assassinate a sitting head of state is to strip the so-called rules-based order of its last pretence. Sovereignty clearly applies only to those aligned with Washington,” Mr. Raja said in a post on X.
‘Govt. silence disturbing’
“The silence of the Government of India and Prime Minister Modi is disturbing. Iran has been a friendly, time tested partner, supportive on Kashmir and balanced within the OIC. India’s strategic investment in Chabahar Port, crucial for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan, is directly jeopardised by Iran’s destabilisation,” he said.
In Jammu and Kashmir, various parties, including the ruling National Conference, also deplored the U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern over the developments in Iran and appealed for calm amid widespread protests.
“Chief Minister has expressed deep concern over the unfolding developments in Iran, including reports of the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He has appealed to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest,” his office said in a post on X.
Expressing “profound anguish” over the assassination of Khamenei, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah urged the administration to handle the situation with sensitivity and discretion, ensuring that those who wish to mourn are able to do so respectfully.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said the killing of Khamenei marks a “deeply tragic and shameful” point in history.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut slammed the BJP-led Centre for its stand following the U.S.-Israeli attack on India’s “friend” Iran, that claimed the life of Khamenei and raised questions about its foreign policy.
Speaking to reporters, Raut said that Iran’s becoming weak is also dangerous for India because if the U.S. and Israel control the West Asian country, their steps will move towards India.
UN has lost its meaning
In a post on X, RJD MP Manoj Jha said, “U.S.-Israel-Iran war is very shameful, and it is not going to stop; the UN has lost its meaning.”
State media reported that the 86-year-old Ayatollah was killed in an air strike targeting his compound in downtown Tehran.
The United States and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday (February 27, 2026), with U.S. President Trump calling on the Iranian public to seize control of their destiny and rise up against the Islamic leadership that has ruled their country since 1979.
Published – March 01, 2026 10:43 pm IST
