The Iraqi government announced on Sunday a general mourning for the killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for 3 days, according to a statement published by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
The official spokesman for the Iraqi government, Bassem al-Awadi, said in a statement, "With great sadness and sorrow, we offer our condolences to the sons of the dear Iranian people, and the rest of the Islamic nation, on the passing of the scholar and mujahid, the Supreme Leader, His Eminence Ayatollah al-Uzma Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei, a martyr, we consider him with the first of the people of the Prophet's house, following a blatant aggression, and a condemned act that violates all human and ethical norms, and in a clear violation of international laws and covenants," according to what "INA" reported. The statement added: "With the departure of the martyr, his eminence has crowned his journey, which served the Iranian people, with the crown of martyrdom and loyalty to principles, defending his nation in the face of injustice and tyranny, seeking the path of truth, and striving to serve the causes of the Islamic nation and all of humanity." The government spokesman affirmed that "Iraq, in this context, renews the serious call for the immediate and unconditional cessation of military operations and actions, which are taking the region to unprecedented levels of violence, fueling conflict, and undermining international security and peace." The spokesman pointed out that "the Iraqi government announced general mourning throughout Iraq for three days." Also, the supreme religious authority in Iraq, Ali al-Sistani, offered condolences on Sunday on the death of Ali Khamenei. Sistani said in a statement: "With deep sorrow, I offer my condolences to the dear Iranian people and all Muslims on the martyrdom of the great leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Eminence Ayatollah Sayyid Khamenei (may God be pleased with him)," according to what was reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA). Sistani continued that "the high position of his eminence and his unique role in leading the system of the Islamic Republic of Iran for many years is clear to everyone, and there is no doubt that the enemies intended by his martyrdom and launching the large-scale military aggression against Iran to inflict great harm on this dear country." He said that "it is expected from the great Iranian people to maintain their unity and strengthen their ranks and not allow the aggressors to achieve their ominous goals." Various official Iranian media outlets confirmed the killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei after a series of joint air strikes launched by the United States and Israel on Iran. The Iranian official television presenter said: "After a life full of sacrifice and courage, like the case of Hussein, persevering without fail, he tasted the holy spirit of patient guardianship, the compassionate father of the nation, the leader and imam of Muslims, His Eminence Ayatollah al-Uzma Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei, on the path of elevating the status of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the cup of martyrdom and joined the heavenly kingdom of God."
