Why Iran Raised Red Flag Over Mosque After Supreme Leader Khamenei's Killing?

Last Updated:March 01, 2026, 19:33 IST

After Khamenei’s reported death in a US-Israel airstrike, Iran raised a red flag of revenge and formed an interim council led by Arafi, Pezeshkian, and Ejei.

A red “flag of revenge" was raised above the dome of the Jamkaran Mosque in Iran’s holy city of Qom after the reported death of the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The symbolic act is widely seen as a call for justice and retaliation and reflects growing anger among his supporters as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise.

The Jamkaran Mosque holds deep religious importance in Iran. According to media reports, the red flag placed atop the mosque signals mourning and a vow for revenge following Khamenei’s death. The development has further intensified the atmosphere in the region.

Khamenei was reportedly killed in an airstrike in Tehran on Saturday during a joint attack by the United States and Israel. Iranian state media confirmed his death on Sunday, triggering protests, mourning gatherings and political reactions in several countries, including India.

Reacting to the development, US President Donald Trump said in a statement, “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead."

He added, “This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commented on the reports, saying there were “many signs that this tyrant is no longer alive".

Addressing the Iranian public, he said, “This is your time to join forces, to overthrow the regime and to secure your future."

Soon after the reports emerged, celebrations were heard in parts of Tehran, while plumes of black smoke were seen rising from areas near the district where Khamenei usually stayed. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described Khamenei as “the architect of the plan to destroy the State of Israel" and claimed he led efforts to expand Iranian influence across the Middle East.

Following his death, Iran has formed an interim leadership structure to manage the country’s affairs. State media reported that senior cleric Alireza Arafi has been appointed as the jurist member of a temporary three-member Leadership Council.

According to the Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA), Arafi will serve on the council alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei. The council will carry out the duties of the supreme leader until the Assembly of Experts selects a permanent successor.

News world Why Iran Raised Red Flag Over Mosque After Supreme Leader Khamenei's Killing?

Read More