In a statement released by his office, President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned Khamenei’s killing as “a great crime” and promised that it would not go unanswered.

“This great crime will never remain unanswered and will turn a new page in the history of the Islamic world,” the statement read.

Pezeshkian added, “The pure blood of this high-ranking leader will flow like a roaring spring and will eradicate American-Zionist oppression and crime.”

He further warned that “with all our strength and determination, and with the support of the Islamic nation and the free people of the world, we will make the perpetrators and commanders of this great crime regret it.”

The president also announced seven days of public holidays in addition to the 40-day period of national mourning already declared across Iran, signaling the country’s intent to both honour the late leader and mobilise politically and symbolically in response.