Gumi hails Khamenei as ‘lucky soul’ who died in Jihad

Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has described Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, as “a lucky soul” who “died in jihad,” following reports of his death.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Gumi said Khamenei died “in jihad against killers of innocent children and women in Gaza and elsewhere,” adding that his death would inspire renewed commitment across the Muslim world.

“His blood will fuel the change in the ummah. He stood firmly for justice and didn’t hide in bunkers. For those who killed him or assisted in killing him, let us see what they will live to do in this world,” Gumi wrote.

Khamenei, who had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, was a dominant figure in the country’s political and religious leadership for decades.

Iranian state television confirmed his death early Sunday, announcing it at about 5:00 a.m. (0130 GMT). The broadcast featured archive footage of the late leader with a black banner symbolising national mourning.

The station declared a 40-day mourning period and seven public holidays in his honour.

“With the martyrdom of the supreme leader, his path and mission neither will be lost nor will be forgotten; on the other hand, they will be pursued with greater vigour and zeal,” a presenter said during the broadcast.

Khamenei, 86, reportedly died following an Israeli strike in Tehran on Saturday. However, Iranian state media did not directly reference reports of a large-scale US-Israeli attack on his residence.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump had stated that Khamenei was killed in airstrikes, though there was no immediate independent confirmation from Tehran at the time of his announcement.