Two United States-based mosques have organized memorial events for Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following reports that he was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation over the weekend.
The events were held at a mosque in Manassas, Virginia, and at the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. Both institutions have previously drawn scrutiny over alleged ties to Iran.
In Manassas, organizers distributed a flyer promoting a “Potluck Iftar” in honor of Khamenei during Ramadan. The flyer referred to the late Iranian leader as “our leader,” inviting members of the community to attend the commemorative gathering.
At the Michigan-based center, Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi addressed worshippers during a service, strongly criticizing the reported U.S. military action.
Describing the offensive as “evil,” Elahi questioned its justification and suggested it was conducted under false pretenses.
“You promised that America First, and now we ended up having Netanyahu first,” Elahi said in remarks delivered after news of the reported strike. He also challenged assertions about Iran’s nuclear program and characterized the operation as an “illegal war.”
Speakers at the Dearborn Heights gathering further cited statements from Iranian officials alleging that civilians were among those killed in the recent strikes.
As of press time, U.S. authorities had not publicly commented on the memorial events held at the two mosques.
