Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir – March 1, 2026 – Widespread protests broke out across Indian-administered Kashmir on Sunday following the confirmed killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli military strikes launched a day earlier, with demonstrators taking to the streets in Srinagar, Budgam district, and several towns in north and south Kashmir, as well as in Ladakh.
Crowds marched in Srinagar's old city areas and central Kashmir's Budgam, chanting slogans condemning the attacks and expressing solidarity with Iran. Protests were also reported in Baramulla, Sopore, Anantnag, Pulwama, and Shopian in the Kashmir Valley, and in Leh and Kargil in the Ladakh region. Demonstrators burned tires, waved Iranian flags, and held placards denouncing the US and Israel.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah issued a statement expressing deep concern over the developments in Iran, including Khamenei's death, while urging calm and restraint. “I appeal to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest,” Abdullah said, calling on residents to maintain law and order amid heightened emotions.
In Pakistan, police clashed with protesters in Karachi who attempted to march toward the US Consulate. Hundreds of demonstrators blocked traffic by burning tires and pelted stones at security forces, who responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds. All roads leading to the US Consulate in the city's southern district were closed, though videos on social media showed some protesters reaching the mission's entrance and smashing windows. In Lahore, hundreds—including women and children—tried to march toward the US Consulate but were stopped by police barricades.
Iranian state television officially confirmed on Sunday that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the US-Israeli bombardment that began early Saturday. A 40-day national mourning period has been declared, with state institutions operating under emergency protocols. An interim Leadership Council has been formed under Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution, comprising President Masoud Pezeshkian, the head of the judiciary, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as the clerical representative from the Guardian Council. The Assembly of Experts is expected to convene soon to select a permanent successor.
The strikes—codenamed “Lion’s Roar” by Israel and “Operation Epic Fury” by the United States—targeted Iranian military infrastructure, missile production facilities, command centers, and reportedly senior leadership. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the joint operation, describing it as pre-emptive to eliminate threats from Iran's missile capabilities, nuclear program, and regional proxies. Trump urged Iranian forces to surrender and called on civilians to overthrow the regime, while acknowledging possible US casualties.
Iran launched large-scale retaliatory missile and drone barrages targeting Israeli territory and US military bases across the Gulf, including a confirmed strike on a US-linked facility in Bahrain’s Juffair area and an intercepted missile over Qatar. Additional drone activity was reported near Oman, prompting the US Embassy in Muscat to order shelter-in-place for staff and recommend the same for American citizens.
Civilian casualties have been reported on the Iranian side, including five students killed when a girls’ primary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, was reportedly struck. The Iranian Red Crescent Society stated that attacks occurred near medical and humanitarian facilities in Tehran, including the Red Crescent Building, Khatam al-Anbiya Hospital, Behzisti facilities, and Motahari Hospital.
Several Asian nations called for de-escalation and a resumption of dialogue:
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed concern over the escalation and updated travel advice for Israel, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE to “do not travel,” urging citizens in those countries to leave immediately if safe.
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry expressed “grave” concern and urged all parties to prevent further deterioration, reiterating the need for “dialogue and diplomacy.”
Cambodia called on all parties to exercise “maximum restraint to avoid further escalation that would harm civilian lives and undermine peace.”
Bangladesh’s opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman of Jamaat-e-Islami expressed “heartfelt” grief over Khamenei’s assassination and called for an immediate halt to military actions and a return to diplomacy.
India’s External Affairs Ministry advised foreign nationals in the country to contact regional registration offices for visa extension assistance amid heightened regional tensions.
The strikes occurred despite ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman, with the latest round concluding in Geneva on Thursday. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi had described progress as “within our reach” after meeting US Vice President JD Vance on Friday.
European leaders, including France, Germany, and the UK, denied participation in the strikes while condemning Iranian retaliatory attacks. The EU, Switzerland, and others urged maximum restraint and respect for international law. The UN Security Council remains in emergency session.
Gulf states closed airspace, placed forces on high alert, and expressed concern over energy disruptions. Oil prices remain elevated amid fears regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
The protests in Kashmir and Pakistan, combined with diplomatic appeals across Asia, highlight the conflict’s ripple effects beyond the Middle East, raising concerns over communal tensions, energy security, and the risk of broader regional instability.
