'Death to America and Israel’ echoes in mass protests across Iran
Tehran: Thousands of Iranians gathered in several cities to mourn Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei following reports of his death in joint U.S. and Israeli strikes, according to state media and international news agencies.
Crowds were seen assembling in Tehran and other provinces, chanting slogans including “Death to America” and “Death to Israel,” as authorities declared a 40-day national mourning period.
Thousands of people also gathered in Yasuj city in central Iran to mark the beginning of the mourning period, according to local media reports. A video clip published by Tasnim News Agency showed large crowds assembling in the city and participating in mourning rituals. Footage captured mourners beating their heads and chests, a traditional practice observed during periods of grief in Iran.
Similar scenes were reported in Lorestan province, the Tehran Times reported, with gatherings held to commemorate the leader.
Reuters reported that Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei’s death early Sunday. A senior Israeli official told the agency that the Iranian leader’s body had been located following strikes. U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington had worked closely with Israel in targeting Iran’s top leadership.
Images published by international photo agencies showed mourners holding portraits of Khamenei and waving Iranian flags, while security forces maintained a presence around major gathering points.
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Safety of Kannadigas in Middle East top priority: CM Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said the state government was closely monitoring the evolving situation in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and was taking all steps to ensure the safety of Kannadigas residing in the region.
Siddaramaiah said he has held consultations with the Resident Commissioner in New Delhi and directed officials to take proactive measures to safeguard the people from the state living in the region.
“In light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, the Government of Karnataka is treating with utmost seriousness the safety and well-being of Kannadigas residing in the Middle East, including Israel, the UAE, Iran, and Qatar,” he said in a post on 'X'.
A joint US-Israel military offensive against Iran has triggered fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Iran has launched retaliatory military strikes targeting Israel and American military bases across the region, including in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.
Siddaramaiah said those currently in conflict-affected areas and unable to return to India due to the closure of airspace in several countries are advised to relocate to safer zones at the earliest.
“I have instructed officials to operationalise a dedicated helpline from tomorrow to assist affected families,” he said.
“I urge family members not to panic if communication with their loved ones is temporarily disrupted. Please be assured that the safety of every Kannadiga is our foremost priority, and coordinated efforts are already underway in close liaison with the concerned authorities," he added.
According to Ballari Rural MLA and former minister B Nagendra 32 people from Ballari are presently stranded in Dubai, the chief minister said.
"Appropriate steps are being initiated to ensure their security and facilitate necessary assistance. We stand firmly committed to protecting our citizens and will continue to monitor the situation closely, responding with sensitivity, responsibility and resolve,” he added.
The Indian missions in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, Palestine and Oman on Saturday issued advisories for its citizens urging them to “exercise utmost caution” and follow advisories issued by local authorities diligently.
Several missions also said it is in touch with Indian citizens stranded at the airport or at other places as the two airports at Dubai, the largest aviation hub, shut down and the UAE and Iraq closed their airspace, hours after the US-Israel joint attack on Iran escalated into a region-wide tension.
The Indian missions have also provided emergency contact details for any assistance.
