New Delhi: A woman from the Shia community holds a protest at Jantar Mantar against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli airstrike on Iran, in New Delhi on Sunday, March 01, 2026. (Photo: IANS/Wasim Sarvar)
Hyderabad, March 1 (IANS) Members of the Shia community in Hyderabad held protests on Sunday, condemning the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the joint attacks by the United States and Israel.
A pall of gloom descended on the Shia-majority pockets of the old city after it was confirmed that Khamenei was killed in Saturday's attack on Iran.
Clad in black, men and women came on streets in Purani Haveli, Noor Khan Bazar, Darulshifa and other areas to condemn the killing of Khamenei, who was considered the leader of Shia community across the world.
Carrying pictures of Khamenei in their hands, men, women and children came out on the roads and raised slogans condemning the killing.
Addressing the gathering, a Shia leader said Khamenei was martyred for standing up against the oppression and for refusing to surrender to the oppressors.
He added that the lack of unity among Muslims led to the tragic event.
On a call given by Tanzeem-e-Jafferi, a Shia religious and socio-political organisation, a rally was taken out to condemn the killing of Khamenei.
Large number of people participated in the rally that started from Mazhar-e-Ibne-Khatoon in Purani Haveli.
Many protesters were seen crying while displaying pictures of the slain leader.
Police have beefed up security in the old city as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incident.
Meanwhile, at Iran's Consulate in Hyderabad, the national flag of Iran was lowered to half-mast to mourn the death of Khamenei.
Khamenei was killed in the joint US-Israeli strikes on Tehran on Saturday.
Media reports said the 86-year-old leader was killed in his office in the early hours of Saturday.
According to the Iranian media, Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, son-in-law and daughter-in-law were also killed.
Iranian Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards Commander Mohammad Pakpour were also reportedly killed in the attacks.
Strong response will be given to Israel from Iran, says Shia board on Khamenei’s death
Maulana Yasoob Abbas, General Secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, expressed shock and grief after reports emerged that Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran, had been killed in joint US‑Israeli airstrikes.
Speaking to IANS, Maulana Abbas said, “It is very sad news from Iran that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in a joint Israeli‑US strike… The All India Shia Personal Law Board has announced three days of mourning. The US and Israel think they have destroyed Iran after this -- it is not true. A strong response will be given to Israel from Iran.”
He urged the community to wear black and said, “Tonight at 8.30 a jalsa will take place, and the effigies of America and Israel will be burnt. I would request people to stand for those people in this difficult time. I urge our nation to support Iran fully.”
"There is a wave of grief around the world over the martyrdom of Khamenei. After ending Khamenei, America and Israel think they have destroyed Iran, but let me tell you, neither Iran has been destroyed nor has Islam," he added.
The remarks come amid rapidly unfolding developments in the Middle East, where coordinated airstrikes by the US and Israel have targeted Iranian leadership and military infrastructure.
Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the joint US‑Israeli airstrikes, declaring 40 days of national mourning across the country. The airstrikes also killed several of his relatives, including his daughter, grandchild and son‑in‑law, according to reports citing Iranian outlets and international news agencies.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Khamenei had been killed, calling it the “single greatest chance” for Iranians to reclaim control of their country. Trump described Khamenei as “one of the most evil people in history” and framed the strikes as “justice for the people of Iran”.
He also claimed that many Iranian security forces “no longer want to fight” and warned that those seeking immunity should “accept it now or face death later”.
The unfolding conflict has triggered fierce regional tensions, with Tehran vowing retaliation and global powers urging de‑escalation as the situation continues to develop.
