Iran labels Khamenei killing ‘cowardly terrorist act’ in letter to UN

Iran has formally protested to the United Nations over the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, describing the incident as a “cowardly terrorist act” and a grave breach of international law.

In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the United Nations Security Council, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned what Tehran says was a joint US–Israeli attack that killed the Iranian leader.

The letter warned that the assassination represents a dangerous and unprecedented escalation, undermining the fundamental principles of state sovereignty and civilized international conduct, reports Al Jazeera.

Tehran characterised the strike as a serious violation of international law and demanded that those responsible be held accountable.

The foreign minister cautioned that such actions risk destabilising the broader Middle East.

Araghchi further described the killing as opening a perilous “Pandora’s box,” threatening sovereign equality among states and the stability of the international system.

He called on the United Nations to uphold its responsibilities under the UN Charter to maintain global peace and security and urged swift, effective steps to ensure full accountability for the United States and Israel.