Ali Khamenei Assassinated in US-Israeli Strikes

The killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in U.S.-Israeli strikes has sent shockwaves across the Shiite Muslim world, sparking widespread fury and raising fears of a broader regional backlash. Khamenei, 86, was a prominent religious and political figure for Shiite minorities globally. His death has led to protests in Pakistan, where 34 people were killed in clashes, and Iraq, with demonstrators clashing near the U.S. Embassy. In Lebanon, the Iran-affiliated Hezbollah group fired missiles towards Israel, prompting intense Israeli airstrikes that killed dozens and displaced tens of thousands. The event follows previous assassinations of key Iranian-aligned figures like Qasem Soleimani and Hassan Nasrallah. Iran has declared it has 'no red lines left,' leading to turmoil across the region, including airspace closures and disruptions to commercial flights in countries like the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Analysts suggest that while there is frustration with Iran's meddling in other countries, the killing is perceived by many Shiites as an existential threat, potentially leading to further escalation.