Middle East at Critical Juncture Following US-Israel Strikes on Iran and Reported Death of Supreme Leader Khamenei

Kathmandu. The Middle East has reached an uncertain turning point following extensive military strikes launched by the United States and Israel on Iran, and the reported death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

As news of the passing of the second-highest leader of the Islamic Republic, which has been in power since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, emerged, serious global concern has been expressed regarding the regional balance of power, the future of the nuclear program, and the potential for a wider war. World leaders have reacted cautiously, calling for restraint and diplomatic initiatives.

US President Donald Trump confirmed Khamenei's death via social media, calling it the “biggest opportunity for the Iranian people to take their country back.” Iranian state media reported the death of the 86-year-old leader but did not disclose the cause. Israeli officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed his death, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned in a televised address that there were “growing indications” of his death following an attack on Khamenei's compound.

Khamenei's clear successor was not publicly named. Therefore, his potential demise has deepened the uncertainty surrounding Iran's political structure and leadership transition. Analysts have indicated this could escalate internal power struggles and intensify external conflicts. The United Nations Security Council has called an emergency meeting on this matter.

The US and Israel launched major attacks against Iran on Saturday. President Trump called on the Iranian people to stand up against the current religious regime and “take control of their destiny.” In response, Iran announced it had launched missile and drone strikes against Israeli targets and US military bases in the Middle East. As regional tensions intensify, concerns are growing about a prolonged cycle of retaliation and counter-attack.

European powers have urged a path of negotiation without direct endorsement or condemnation. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement urging the US and Iran to immediately return to talks.

They clarified that their countries were not involved in the attack and stated that issues concerning Iran's nuclear program, ballistic activities, and regional instability could only be resolved through diplomatic means.

The Arab League described the Iranian attack as a clear violation of the sovereignty of nations striving for peace and stability. Nations including Morocco, Jordan, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates condemned the Iranian strikes targeting US military bases in the region.

Saudi Arabia strongly criticized the Iranian action, stating that restraint is necessary to preserve regional stability. Oman, which has been mediating talks, commented that the US action violated the principles of international law.

Australia and Canada expressed support for the US action. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described Iran as the primary source of instability and terrorism in the Middle East. Conversely, Russia called the attack a premeditated armed action and China urged an immediate halt to military action and a return to dialogue.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated the view that Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. Mixed effects have been observed on daily life at the regional level.

In the occupied West Bank, while the sound of explosions was heard in the sky as Israel's Iron Dome intercepted missiles, daily activities have not completely stopped. However, long queues have appeared at petrol stations due to fears of supply disruption after Israel closed checkpoints.

The Palestinian Authority condemned the Iranian attack against Arab nations but did not comment on the US or Israeli actions. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide expressed concern that the situation could move towards a “new, wider war.”

The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, also condemned the attack, warning that it increases the risk of nuclear proliferation and potential use. The European Union (EU) and the Arab League urged all parties to exercise restraint and move towards a process of de-escalation of tension or conflict.

Amidst the reported death of Khamenei, the uncertainty of leadership transition, and intense military action, the Middle East stands at a critical juncture. The international community appears aware of the risk that regional conflict could spread to a wider scope if diplomatic efforts fail.