Iraq declares three days of mourning after Khamenei killing, renews ceasefire call

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government declared three days of nationwide mourning Sunday following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling his death “a blatant aggression and condemned act that violates all humanitarian and moral norms and constitutes a clear breach of international laws.”

Government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi extended condolences to “the noble Iranian people and the entire Islamic nation,” describing Khamenei as “a martyr among the first of the Prophet’s household.”

Al-Awadi said Iraq “renews its serious call for an immediate and unconditional halt to military operations and actions that are driving the region to unprecedented levels of violence, fueling conflict and undermining international security and peace.”

Khamenei led the Islamic Republic as supreme leader since 1989, holding ultimate authority over Iran’s domestic and foreign policy, its nuclear strategy and its support for allied armed groups across the Middle East. He was killed Saturday as the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on multiple targets inside Iran.