'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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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
