Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, On the Occasion of the Martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Ummah and the Great Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran

On the Occasion of the Martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Ummah and the Great Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran,

His Eminence Ayatollah al-Uzma Khamenei (May His Pure Soul Be Sanctified)

(2026/03/01)

Unofficial Translation

The Leader of the Islamic Ummah and the Great Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Eminence Ayatollah al-Uzma Khamenei (may his noble soul be sanctified), was martyred in the course of the brutal attacks by the American and Zionist regimes on his residence on the morning of the tenth day of the blessed month of Ramadan, and thus attained the exalted station of martyrdom and ascended to the highest heavens.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran extends its congratulations and condolences on the martyrdom of this eminent scholar and leader to the august presence of His Holiness Baqiyatullah al-A’zam (may our souls be sacrificed for him), to the noble people of Iran, to the Islamic Ummah, and to all freedom-loving and justice-seeking people throughout the world.

The terrorist act of the United States and the Zionist regime in assassinating the great Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and other senior officials of the country, in the framework of military aggression against Iran’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty, constitutes an unprecedented assault in violation of all recognized human and ethical principles and the most fundamental norms of the Charter of the United Nations and international law.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs draws the attention of all countries to this grave reality that military aggression against Iran under any pretext, the assassination of leaders, and the killing of innocent civilians will have dangerous and far-reaching consequences for international relations and will represent a perilous shift toward lawlessness and naked force at the global level.

The Ministry emphasizes the responsibility of international institutions—particularly the United Nations and its Security Council—as well as all member states of the United Nations, to safeguard the principles and rules that are the product of centuries of human experience in restraining power and preventing domination in relations among states.

Undoubtedly, indifference and inaction in the face of the organized crimes and oppression of the United States and the Zionist regime will embolden aggressors and place the world and future generations under the shadow of grave consequences. The renewed military aggression of the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran—amid an ongoing diplomatic process and following their previous acts of aggression in recent months—together with their destabilizing and interventionist actions in West Asia, including oppression of the Palestinian people and attacks on independent countries of the region, demonstrate a clear pattern of lawless conduct.

Assuredly, the architects and perpetrators of this criminal scheme—the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime—are among the most corrupt and criminal figures of the contemporary world, and the moral and legal responsibility for these heinous acts rests upon them.

The martyrdom of this great Leader and distinguished son of Iran will not impede the path of dignity, independence, and resistance of the Iranian nation. Rather, it will further strengthen national resolve and unity in defending Iran’s sovereignty and rights.

The noble nation of Iran, relying upon God Almighty and upon its rich civilizational heritage and historical experience, will steadfastly continue the path of independence, dignity, and resistance with greater determination than ever before. This martyrdom marks not the end of a path, but the beginning of a new chapter of responsibility and historic steadfastness.