Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 1: Responding to reports of the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel military strike, Congress MP Imran Masood on Sunday described the late cleric as a leader history would remember for his courage and conviction.

In a conversation with reporters, Masood reflected on Khamenei’s legacy, stating that history ultimately honors those who stand firm in the face of adversity. According to him, Khamenei devoted his life to his nation and its people, calling such sacrifice the highest form of service. He further remarked that future generations may look back on this period as one shaped by the actions of what he termed a “ruthless and irrational individual,” whose decisions have plunged the world into turmoil.

Expressing personal sorrow, Masood said he was deeply pained by the development. He noted that Khamenei drew inspiration from the principles of Mahatma Gandhi, particularly in matters of ideological conviction. At the same time, he urged citizens to remain composed and not allow grief to give way to unrest. Emphasizing the importance of national harmony, he cautioned against attempts by fringe elements to provoke violence and appealed to people to maintain peace while offering prayers.

Masood’s comments come at a time of mounting international strain following the high-impact strike, which has reverberated across the Middle East and beyond. The reported operation is being viewed as a defining moment in Iran’s 46-year-old Shia theocratic system, potentially reshaping the region’s geopolitical landscape.

The announcement of Khamenei’s death was made by US President Donald Trump, who stated that the 86-year-old leader had been eliminated through advanced intelligence coordination with Israel. Posting on Truth Social, Trump asserted that despite sophisticated evasion efforts, Khamenei and other senior figures targeted in the strike were unable to escape surveillance systems jointly employed by the US and Israeli forces.

Iranian state media also reported that four of Khamenei’s relatives — including his daughter, a grandchild, and his son-in-law — were killed in the attack. Meanwhile, Tehran’s response has reportedly intensified hostilities in parts of the Middle East, further heightening fears of a broader regional escalation.