Israel Criticizes UN Chief for Mourning Khamenei Over Murder and Torture Allegations of Iranians

03/07/2026

Israel Criticizes UN Chief for Mourning Khamenei Over Murder and Torture Allegations of Iranians

NEW YORK, Jul 3: Israel's ambassador to the United Nations has sharply criticized UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres after Iran said he expressed condolences over the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon condemned the reported gesture in a post on X, questioning whether it was appropriate to mourn Khamenei.

"Mr. Secretary-General, do you truly believe it is appropriate to mourn Ali Khamenei, a brutal dictator who ordered the murder, torture, and persecution of tens of thousands of innocent Iranians?" Danon wrote.

According to Iran's Foreign Ministry, Guterres spoke by telephone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday and conveyed his condolences over Khamenei's death.

The reported call has drawn criticism from Israel, adding to already strained relations between the UN and the Israeli government amid ongoing regional tensions.