EU Sees ‘Hope’ and Heightened Risk After Reported Death of Ali Khamenei

Senior officials of the European Union on Sunday reacted to reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes, describing the development as a potentially transformative moment for Iran but one fraught with the danger of wider regional turmoil.

The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, characterised the development as historic, saying Khamenei’s death marked “a defining moment in Iran’s history”.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also weighed in, noting that the incident could signal change for Iranians while warning of serious consequences.

“At the same time, this moment carries a real risk of instability that could push the region into a spiral of violence,” von der Leyen added.

She explained that Brussels was maintaining active diplomatic engagement to contain tensions and prevent further bloodshed.

Von der Leyen said Brussels was engaging closely “with all key actors” to safeguard stability and security and to protect civilian lives.

In a separate message posted after a conversation with King Abdullah II of Jordan, she expressed cautious optimism about Iran’s future.

“With Khamenei gone, there is renewed hope for the people of Iran. We must ensure that the future is theirs to claim and shape,” she wrote on social media, after a call with Jordan’s King Abdullah II.

Kallas echoed similar sentiments, revealing that she was consulting with countries in the region most affected by Tehran’s actions.

Likewise, Kallas said she was in contact with regional partners “that bear the brunt of Iran’s military actions” to find practical steps for de-escalation.

“What comes next is uncertain. But there is now an open path to a different Iran, one that its people may have greater freedom to shape,” Kallas wrote on X.

EU leaders stressed that while the development could open new political possibilities within Iran, careful diplomatic efforts would be required to prevent a broader escalation that could destabilise the Middle East.