The recent assassination of Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, led to commemoration ceremonies in mosques and Islamic centers across the West. Although parts of the Iranian diaspora in the West oppose the regime and Khamenei's actions, certain Shiite circles—especially more radical factions—honored him and his legacy.
In Europe, for example, the Shiite Center of England in North London expressed condolences over the death of the “martyr” Khamenei, and photographs of the leader illuminated by candles were placed outside the building. Additionally, the Imam Reza Mosque in Berlin—known for its affinity with Hezbollah—held a mourning ceremony for Khamenei, similar to the one held there in 2020 after the assassination of Qasem Soleimani. In the United States, mosques in Virginia and Dearborn, Michigan, held events in memory of Khamenei, and a flyer published for a Ramadan Iftar meal referred to him as “our leader,” alongside sharp accusations against the United States that its actions are being driven by “Israel first” considerations.
Ceremonies to commemorate Khamenei also reached the Shiite community in South Africa. Members of the community in Cape Town gathered for a mourning ceremony for Khamenei's death, where Iranian flags were waved and strong criticism was voiced against Israel and the United States. Even in distant Australia, the Al-Rahman Center in Sydney held a mourning gathering in memory of the “pure soul” of Khamenei and for the martyrs who stood against the American–Israeli aggression toward the Islamic Republic of Iran—which aroused the anger of the Jewish community.
The commemoration of Khamenei in various mosques in the West illustrates the depth of the ties between parts of the Shiite diaspora and the Iranian regime. Even when Iran’s regional status is being attacked and challenged, Islamic institutions in the diaspora continue to serve as an arena for preserving its ideological legitimacy. This demonstrates Iran’s soft power in the West—a religious influence network that helps the regime maintain its influence even in times of crisis—a reality that may also affect the continued tension between Jews and Muslims in the diaspora after October 7.
The recent assassination of Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, led to commemoration ceremonies in mosques and Islamic centers across the West. Although parts of the Iranian diaspora in the West oppose the regime and Khamenei's actions, certain Shiite circles—especially more radical factions—honored him and his legacy.
In Europe, for example, the Shiite Center of England in North London expressed condolences over the death of the “martyr” Khamenei, and photographs of the leader illuminated by candles were placed outside the building. Additionally, the Imam Reza Mosque in Berlin—known for its affinity with Hezbollah—held a mourning ceremony for Khamenei, similar to the one held there in 2020 after the assassination of Qasem Soleimani. In the United States, mosques in Virginia and Dearborn, Michigan, held events in memory of Khamenei, and a flyer published for a Ramadan Iftar meal referred to him as “our leader,” alongside sharp accusations against the United States that its actions are being driven by “Israel first” considerations.
Ceremonies to commemorate Khamenei also reached the Shiite community in South Africa. Members of the community in Cape Town gathered for a mourning ceremony for Khamenei's death, where Iranian flags were waved and strong criticism was voiced against Israel and the United States. Even in distant Australia, the Al-Rahman Center in Sydney held a mourning gathering in memory of the “pure soul” of Khamenei and for the martyrs who stood against the American–Israeli aggression toward the Islamic Republic of Iran—which aroused the anger of the Jewish community.
The commemoration of Khamenei in various mosques in the West illustrates the depth of the ties between parts of the Shiite diaspora and the Iranian regime. Even when Iran’s regional status is being attacked and challenged, Islamic institutions in the diaspora continue to serve as an arena for preserving its ideological legitimacy. This demonstrates Iran’s soft power in the West—a religious influence network that helps the regime maintain its influence even in times of crisis—a reality that may also affect the continued tension between Jews and Muslims in the diaspora after October 7.