President Muizzu fails to condemn Khamenei assassination after repeated claims of courage

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has failed to condemn the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following a targeted strike by the United States.

Khamenei was killed in U.S. strikes on Saturday morning. However, the Maldivian government and President Muizzu have faced widespread criticism for failing to extend condolences to Iran or condemn the American attacks. Public backlash intensified as more than 24 hours passed without an official statement or response from the Maldives regarding the incident.

During a press conference held at the President's Office on Monday, President Muizzu failed to condemn the assassination of Khamenei or the U.S. involvement in the attack, despite being questioned by Raajje TV. Instead, President Muizzu stated only that the loss of any life in war-related attacks is a matter of concern.

President Muizzu typically takes to social media to express his condolences following the passing of world leaders. In May 2024, for instance, he posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) following the death of then-Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Furthermore, the Maldives officially extended its sympathies to Iran and participated in the period of national mourning.

During the press conference, President Muizzu initially stated that he condemned the attacks being carried out by Iran against Arab and Islamic nations, noting that he was in the process of contacting the leaders of those countries to convey his condolences. However, in response to subsequent questions from journalists, the President clarified that he also condemns the attacks being carried out by the United States and Israel, in addition to those by Iran.