Malaysia condemns killing of Iran’s Khamenei, calls for immediate ceasefire

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday “unreservedly” condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

“This act places the Middle East on the edge of grave and sustained instability,” he said in a statement on the US social media company X, offering condolences to Iran and the Iranian people.

“Those who greet his death with approval should recognize the consequences of such actions. Existential threats seldom yield predictable reactions. The deliberate targeting of a head of state sets a dangerous precedent and weakens the norms and principles that underpin the international order,” Anwar added.

He also urged Tehran to “respond with the utmost restraint,” as well as endorsing calls on all parties “to step back from further escalation.”

Anwar said that Kuala Lumpur will “urgently evaluate the economic repercussions of the conflict, including risks to regional airspace and to freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” adding that Malaysia's trade and energy security are “directly implicated.”

“We will act as necessary to safeguard our national interests,” he said.

Anwar called for an “immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians and a return to serious dialogue.”

“This crisis cannot be resolved by force. It requires diplomacy, restraint and political will.”

Tehran early Sunday announced the death of Khamenei, 86, following US-Israeli bombardment on the Iranian capital on Saturday.

It also declared 40 days of public mourning in the country.

The Iranian Supreme National Security Council said Khamenei was killed at his office early Saturday, and that his death would mark the beginning of a “great uprising against the tyrants of the world.”

Ahead of Tehran’s confirmation, US President Donald Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform Truth Social that Khamenei was “dead.”