Middle East: Global Concerns After the Elimination of the Supreme Leader

The death of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has sent shockwaves worldwide and plunged the Middle East into a new phase of acute tension. According to several major international media outlets, his death occurred following a coordinated military offensive led by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory, in the context of an already worrying regional escalation. The official announcement by Tehran immediately triggered a forty-day period of national mourning, while Iranian authorities denounced a serious attack on their sovereignty and promised retaliation.

In power since 1989, Ali Khamenei held the highest political and religious office in the Islamic Republic, possessing ultimate authority over the country's strategic directions, particularly in defense and foreign policy. His demise opens a phase of major uncertainty. The constitutional succession mechanism must now be initiated, but no successor has yet been officially designated. In this tense context, the role of the Revolutionary Guard Corps appears central to ensuring the continuity of power and maintaining internal cohesion.

The international reaction was swift and deeply divided. In Washington, U.S. authorities presented the operation as a strategic turning point and warned that any Iranian retaliation would lead to a firm response. In Tel Aviv, the Israeli government considered the supreme leader's demise a blow to the Iranian leadership, while affirming it remained on maximum alert. For their part, Russia and China condemned the attack, calling it a violation of international law and appealing for respect for Iran's sovereignty. The European Union expressed its concern about the risk of regional conflagration, while emphasizing the need to avoid uncontrolled escalation. Pope Francis also called for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic dialogue.

Given the gravity of the situation, the United Nations Security Council met urgently at the United Nations headquarters in New York. During this closed-door session, diplomats discussed the risks of an expanded conflict, threats to civilians, and consequences for international security. Secretary-General António Guterres called for immediate de-escalation, warning that a direct confrontation between regional and international powers could have serious and lasting consequences for global peace.

On the ground, tensions quickly intensified. Iran announced it had launched missiles and drones against targets linked to American and Israeli interests in several Gulf countries, causing the temporary closure of some airspaces and increasing concern among local populations. Several governments recommended that their nationals limit travel to risk areas.

Financial markets also reacted. Oil prices showed strong volatility, fueled by fears of disruption to global energy supply. Regional stock exchanges experienced significant fluctuations, reflecting geopolitical uncertainty.