Israel-Iran war: Hundreds storm US consulate in Karachi after Khamenei’s death; at least 10 killed, 30 injured

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the United States Department of State consulate in Karachi on Sunday after news spread of the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli strike, the Associated Press reported.

The move comes after Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed during coordinated US and Israeli airstrikes, triggering a period of national mourning and sharp warnings of retaliation from Tehran.

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Police and paramilitary forces used batons and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, according to Mohammad Jawad, a senior police official, the AP report said.

At least 10 people were killed and several injured after clashes erupted between police and protesters attempting to storm the US Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli air strike, PTI reported.

Dr Sumaiya Syed said the Civil Hospital had received 10 bodies, PTI reported, some showing bullet wounds, while around 30 injured, including four policemen, were being treated at the hospital’s trauma centre.

Senior police official SSP Asad Reza told PTI that the crowd attacked police, forcing officers to use tear gas shells and rubber bullets to control the situation. The protests began immediately after Khamenei’s death was confirmed amid the ongoing strikes on Iran.

Authorities cordoned off the area around the diplomatic mission and tightened security across key parts of the city as tensions remained high following the developments in Iran.

In a statement, the US Embassy in Islamabad said it was monitoring reports of ongoing demonstrations at the US consulates general in Karachi and Lahore, as well as calls for further protests at the embassy in Islamabad and the consulate general in Peshawar.

The embassy advised US citizens in Pakistan to follow local news and maintain heightened personal security awareness, including avoiding large crowds, staying alert to their surroundings and ensuring their STEP registration details are up to date.



Senior Iranian leaders killed in airstrikes

The protests come amid escalating tensions following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Saturday.

The Associated Press reported on Sunday, citing Iranian state television, that Iran’s chief of army staff Gen. Abdol Rahim Mousavi and Defence Minister Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh were also killed in a strike targeting a meeting of the country’s defence council. The head of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and senior security adviser Ali Shamkhani were among those reported dead.

Iran has declared 40 days of national mourning, with black flags raised at major shrines and public gatherings planned across the country. In Srinagar, hundreds of Kashmiri Shia Muslims held peaceful demonstrations, carrying portraits of Khamenei, raising anti-US and anti-Israel slogans, and observing traditional mourning chants.

Retaliation threats and regional escalation

Following the strikes, Iran vowed retaliation, with its Cabinet saying the “great crime will never go unanswered.” The Revolutionary Guard threatened what it called its “most intense offensive operation” against Israeli and American targets.

US President Donald Trump warned Tehran against further escalation, saying Washington would respond with unprecedented force if Iran carried out additional attacks.

Iran later launched missiles and drones toward Israel and US military installations in the Gulf. Israeli authorities said several projectiles were intercepted, though casualties and damage were reported. The escalation has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict and potential disruption to global oil supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.

Protests erupt in Kashmir after Khamenei’s killing

Hundreds of Kashmiri Shia Muslims took to the streets in Srinagar on Sunday to protest the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli airstrikes.

Demonstrators gathered in the city centre carrying black flags and portraits of Khamenei, raising anti-US and anti-Israel slogans while expressing solidarity with Iran. Traditional mourning chants, or Nauha, echoed through parts of Srinagar as participants described the Ayatollah as not just a political leader but a Marja-e-Taqlid — a religious authority for many in the Shia community.

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Protesters said the march was peaceful, though security was tightened across parts of the city as authorities monitored the gatherings. The demonstrations reflect the deep religious and emotional resonance Khamenei held among sections of the Shia population in Kashmir.

Iran has declared 40 days of national mourning following his death, a period of particular significance in Shia Islam, where the 40th day after a death — Arba'een — carries strong spiritual importance.

(With inputs from agencies)