PM Shehbaz condemns targeting of Iran’s Supreme Leader, terms strikes violation of international law

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Sunday denounced the targeting of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in joint air strikes carried out by the United States and Israel, describing the action as a “violation of the norms of international law”.

The Iranian government early Sunday confirmed that Ayatollah Khamenei had been martyred in joint Israeli and US air strikes that began on February 28.

In a post on X, the prime minister said it was an age-old convention that heads of state or government should not be targeted.

Expressing condolences, he termed the martyrdom of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei a grave loss for Iran. “The Government and the people of Pakistan join the people of Iran in their hour of grief and sorrow and extend the most sincere condolences on the martyrdom of His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei,” he said.

“We pray for the departed soul. May Allah Almighty grant patience and strength to the Iranian people to bear this irreparable loss,” the premier added.

 https://x.com/CMShehbaz/status/2028083192956346683

Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed profound sorrow over the martyrdom of the Iranian supreme leader and senior Iranian leadership, according to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei and senior Iranian leaders, conveying heartfelt condolences and prayers for patience and strength to the Government and people of Iran during this period of grief.

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) March 1, 2026

In Iran, the government declared 40 days of public mourning following confirmation of Khamenei’s martyrdom, state media reported. The announcement also includes seven days of official public holidays, according to the Fars News Agency.

Following Khamenei’s martyrdom, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and two other senior officials will lead the country during the transitional period, state television reported.

Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei and another member of the country’s legal council will be part of the three-member arrangement overseeing the transition, state television said, citing Mohammad Mokhber, one of Khamenei’s advisers.