US-Israel-Iran tensions: Russia and China condemn attack; EU sees a path to change | How world reacts to Khamenei's assassination

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, was killed in a US-Israeli attack, shocking the world. Trump called him evil and urged Iranians to rebel. While Russia, China, and others strongly condemned the attack, calling it illegal.

The EU considers it a major moment for change in Iran. Many leaders have appealed for peace and an end to the fighting.

Several countries, global organisations, and prominent groups have reacted to Khamenei's killing as follows:

US President Donald Trump directly addressed the reported death of Khamenei, whom he described as “one of the most evil people in history.” Trump said the military action aimed to degrade Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities and called on the Iranian people to rise up against the regime.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin said the killing was a “cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law", while offering condolences to the Iranian state.

“Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the assassination of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family,” said a message to Pezeshkian published on the Kremlin website.

China’s Foreign Ministry described the attack as a “serious violation of Iran’s sovereignty", calling for an immediate halt in hostilities and urging adherence to the UN Charter.

“China firmly opposes and strongly condemns this,” its Ministry of Foreign Affairs said while calling for the “immediate halting of military operations”.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged a “cessation of hostilities” and diplomatic engagement rather than further escalation.

Senior Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong warned the crisis may impact global energy markets, with wide-ranging economic fallout.

New Zealand officials emphasised international law and negotiations while de-escalating tensions.

Australia reinforced global efforts to avoid widening the conflict and called for restraint.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described Khamenei’s death as “a defining moment in Iran’s history”.

“What comes next is uncertain. But there is now an open path to a different Iran, one that its people may have greater freedom to shape,” she said on X.

“I’m in contact with partners, including those in the region that bear the brunt of Iran’s military actions, to find practical steps for de-escalation.”