Sheikh Gumi Hails Khamenei’s Death, Says Iranian Leader Died in Jihad

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has reacted to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing him as “a lucky soul” who “died in jihad.”

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Gumi stated that Khamenei died “in jihad against killers of innocent children and women in Gaza and elsewhere.” He added that the late leader’s blood “will fuel the change in the ummah,” noting that Khamenei stood firmly for justice and did not hide in bunkers.

“Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: A lucky soul, he died in Jihad against killers of innocent children and women in Gaza and elsewhere,” Gumi wrote. “His blood will fuel the change in the ummah. He stood firmly for Justice and didn’t hide in bunkers. For those who killed him or assisted in killing him, let us see what they will live to do in this world.”

Khamenei, who served as Iran’s supreme leader for decades, reportedly died following an Israeli strike in Tehran on Saturday. He was 86 years old.

Iran State television confirmed his death on Sunday, broadcasting archive images with a black banner as a sign of mourning. A presenter announced Khamenei’s death at 5:00 am (0130 GMT), declaring a 40-day mourning period and seven public holidays in his honour.

“With the martyrdom of the supreme leader, his path and mission neither will be lost nor will be forgotten; on the other hand, they will be pursued with greater vigour and zeal,” a presenter said.

US President Donald Trump had earlier stated that Khamenei was killed in air strikes, though there was no independent confirmation from Tehran at the time of his statement.

Khamenei had been Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, succeeding the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.