Raa Atoll Council Condemns the Killing of Iran’s Khamenei

The Raa Atoll Council condemned the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader on Saturday, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during ongoing US‑Israeli strikes, describing the developments as deeply troubling. 

The Raa Atoll Council issued the statement yesterday following reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in ongoing attacks by the United States and Israel. According to Al Jazeera, Iranian state media confirmed that the country has begun a 40-day period of mourning.

In its statement, the council expressed deep dismay over the assassination and condemned the attack. It noted that other senior Iranian officials were also killed and called the actions a violation of international law, state sovereignty, and human dignity.

The council stated that differences in political beliefs are no justification for murder, noting that such actions escalate discord, put civilians at risk, and could spark cycles of revenge, making peaceful conflict resolution more difficult.

The council reaffirmed that the citizens of Raa Atoll oppose terrorism, political violence, and targeted attacks against civilians and leaders. Condolences were extended to the people of Iran, especially the family of Supreme Leader Khamenei. The council urged all parties to exercise patience, respect international law, and pursue diplomacy to resolve disputes.

The statement comes as President Dr Mohamed Muizzu avoided directly answering questions about why the government has not observed a formal period of mourning. During a press conference yesterday, journalist Muzayyin Nazim asked whether the government’s silence implied tacit alignment with Israel. The President did not address the question directly, instead reiterating that the Maldives’ position on the Israel–Palestine issue has always been publicly stated.