Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom condemns assassination of Khamenei by the United States

Former President of the Maldives, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, has condemned the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an attack carried out by the United States.

The joint military offensive by the United States and Israel against Iran commenced on Saturday. Following the series of sudden strikes, confirmation of Supreme Leader Khamenei’s death was received early Sunday morning. In response, Iran has declared a 40-day period of official mourning to honor Khamenei and has announced a seven-day nationwide government shutdown.

In a post on X on Monday night, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom stated that, as a Muslim, he condemns the assassination of Haniyeh. In the post, President Maumoon prayed for God’s mercy upon Haniyeh’s soul and extended his wishes for patience and strength to his family and the people of Iran.

The Maldivian government is facing widespread public criticism for its failure to condemn the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei in a U.S. strike. Furthermore, the Maldives has neither extended official condolences to Iran nor lowered the national flag to half-mast as a sign of mourning. Two days after the killing of Khamenei, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has yet to issue a statement condemning the act.

Numerous countries and world leaders are condemning the assassination of Khamenei by the United States. These voices include both Islamic and non-Islamic nations. Notably, Russia and China have also joined in denouncing the act.