New Delhi: Several opposition parties on Sunday condemned the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israel strikes, with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra saying that the assassination of Iran's supreme leader by the "so called leaders of the democratic world" is "despicable", PTI reported.
Leaders of the Congress and other parties also criticised the Centre's foreign policy, saying the government's response to the war unleashed on Iran, which has been a long-time "friend", has been a "betrayal" of India's values, principles and interests.
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi termed the killing as an "immoral and unlawful act" and expressed hope that the central government would play a role in halting the war.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also condemned the killing and said the "war that America has carried out on Iran is unnecessary".
CPI leader D Raja said that the US-Israel "nexus represents evil in its most naked form".
"To now assassinate a sitting head of state is to strip the so-called rules based order of its last pretence. Sovereignty clearly applies only to those aligned with Washington," Raja said in a post on X.
"The silence of the Government of India and Prime Minister Modi is disturbing. Iran has been a friendly, time tested partner, supportive on Kashmir and balanced within the OIC. India's strategic investment in Chabahar Port, crucial for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia bypassing Pakistan, is directly jeopardised by Iran's destabilisation," he said.
In Jammu and Kashmir, various parties, including the ruling National Conference, also deplored the US-Israel attacks on Iran.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern over the developments in Iran and appealed for calm amid widespread protests.
"Chief Minister has expressed deep concern over the unfolding developments in Iran, including reports of the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He has appealed to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest," his office said in a post on X.