Australian Prime Minister Declares Iran’s Supreme Leader “Will Not Be Mourned” Amidst Reports of Fatal Strikes
Following reports from Iranian state media confirming the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in what are described as joint US-Israeli strikes, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that Khamenei “will not be mourned.” The Prime Minister, speaking after a special National Security Committee meeting, reiterated Australia’s solidarity with “the brave people of Iran in their struggle against what is an oppressive regime.”
Mr. Albanese detailed Khamenei’s alleged responsibilities, stating, “Ayatollah (Ali) Khamenei was responsible for the regime’s nuclear program, support for armed proxies and its brutal violence and intimidation against its own people.” He further elaborated on the impact of these actions, noting that they “claimed countless lives in Iran but also internationally. He was responsible for orchestrating attacks on Australian soil.” Consequently, the Prime Minister declared, “His passing will not be mourned.”
Iranian state media, in contrast to the Australian government’s sentiment, announced a 40-day period of mourning. Details surrounding Khamenei’s death remain scant, beyond descriptions of a “cowardly attack.” Reports from government-controlled outlets also indicate that Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law, grandchild, and daughters-in-law have also perished in the incident.
Social media platforms were inundated on Saturday afternoon (AEDT) with videos depicting a substantial plume of smoke rising above Tehran, the Iranian capital. These visuals were soon followed by reports that Khamenei’s compound had been a target.
Former US President Donald Trump declared the cleric “dead” on Sunday morning (AEDT), hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Khamenei “is no more.” In a statement, Mr. Trump hailed the event as “the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.” He further posted on social media, “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS.” Mr. Trump also indicated that “heavy and pinpoint bombing … will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!”
The strikes on Saturday occurred in the wake of prolonged nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran. The Trump administration had previously demanded that Tehran cease all uranium enrichment, surrender its existing enriched stockpiles, and dismantle the centrifuges and infrastructure enabling rapid enrichment. Additionally, demands included limitations on Iran’s long-range ballistic missile program and an end to its support for proxy Islamist groups across the Middle East, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthis in Yemen.
Australian Iranian Community Welcomes News
Australia’s Iranian community has reportedly welcomed the news of Khamenei’s death. Many in the community remain deeply affected by the violent suppression of protests earlier this year. Suren Edgar, vice president of the Australian Iranian Community Alliance, expressed that millions would experience “a sense of relief.”
“The confirmed death of Ali Khamenei marks the end of an era defined by repression, executions, censorship, and systemic violence against the Iranian people,” Mr. Edgar stated. He added, “For millions of Iranians, this moment brings a sense of relief. He was not just a political figure. He was the ultimate authority behind crackdowns, the silencing of women, the imprisonment of journalists, and the killing of protesters.”
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry also issued a statement welcoming Khamenei’s demise, describing the need for military intervention as regrettable but “unavoidable.” Daniel Aghion, president of the ECAJ, labelled the Iranian Government “a murderous regime” that “has attacked synagogues and Jewish targets in Australia and around the world. It funds terrorist groups Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis. It massacres its own civilians.” He urged, “Western nations, led by Israel and the US, must curtail the nuclear aspirations of the Iranian Government, disrupt its international terrorism network, and protect the Iranian people from their own leadership.”
Australia’s Stance on the “Brutal Iranian Regime”
During his press conference, Prime Minister Albanese highlighted that Australia has “not been immune from the impact of the regime’s actions.” He acknowledged the distress felt by Australia’s Iranian community, who “see what happens overseas and it understandably affects them greatly as they fear for the safety and security of family and friends.” The Prime Minister also pointed to the anti-Semitic attacks orchestrated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in major Australian cities in 2024, an action that led the Albanese government to expel the Iranian ambassador, impose sanctions on numerous individuals, and designate the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism.
“While we aren’t directly active in the current military strikes, we have been clear and acted on our utter rejection of the brutal Iranian regime,” Mr. Albanese asserted. He reaffirmed Canberra’s long-standing position that “Iran’s nuclear program is a threat to global peace and security” and reiterated calls for “the Iranian regime to uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Iran’s citizens.” He lamented that “these calls have gone unheeded and action has now been taken.”
Australia’s support for the United States’ actions was clearly stated: “We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security.” While expressing concern about regional escalation and urging the protection of civilians, Mr. Albanese confirmed that Australian officials are closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation and are in contact with the United States. He expressed hope that the recent actions would lead to a “swift resolution,” while also emphasizing Australia’s preference for diplomatic action where possible.
Opposition Condemns Iranian Regime
The Australian opposition has also voiced strong condemnation of the Iranian regime. Angus Taylor, the Opposition Leader, described the “theocratic Iranian regime” as “authoritarian, antisemitic and abhorrent.” He detailed its alleged actions, including the pursuit of nuclear weapons, the desire for Israel’s destruction, its support for terrorism through proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, and the supply of weapons to Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Mr. Taylor also accused the regime of foreign interference in Australia and inciting antisemitism. He stated, “Since 1979, the revolutionary Islamic government in Tehran has oppressed, imprisoned and murdered Iranians. We pray for the Iranian people at this time. May courage prevail.”
His Nationals counterpart, David Littleproud, expressed his full agreement with Prime Minister Albanese’s response. Speaking to Nine’s Today, Mr. Littleproud stated, “I agree totally with the Prime Minister and I support his actions and his words entirely in what he’s brought forward.” He linked Iran’s actions to the rise in antisemitism observed on the streets of Sydney and Melbourne, noting that ASIO had found the Revolutionary Guard involved in such activities and in civil unrest. Mr. Littleproud concluded, “So it’s important we understand this regime is about trying to destroy our way of life.”
