New Delhi, March 1 -- Protests broke out on Sunday across Iran following the announcement that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in US and Israeli military strikes.

The developments have dramatically escalated tensions in the Middle East and triggered widespread public reaction within Iran, news agencies reported.

Iran's state television early confirmed that Khamenei was killed during the US‑Israel attacks, declaring that Iran's "Islamic revolution leader has reached martyrdom." The government also instituted a 40‑day national period of mourning and a seven-day official holiday.

Large crowds took to the streets in cities across Iran in response to the news of Khamenei's death, Turkish news agency Anadolu...