Two US-based mosques have held memorial events for Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following reports that he was killed in a US-Isreali military operation over the weekend.
The events took place at a mosque in Manassas, Virginia, and at the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. Both institutions have previously faced scrutiny over alleged ties to Iran.
In Manassas, organizers circulated a flyer advertising a “Potluck Iftar” in honor of Khamenei during Ramadan. The flyer described the late Iranian leader as “our leader.”
At the Michigan-based center, Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi addressed congregants during a service, criticizing the US military action.
He described the offensive as “evil” and questioned its justification, suggesting it was carried out under false pretenses.
“You promised that America First, and now we ended up to have Netanyahu first,” Elahi said, according to remarks delivered after the reported strike.
He further questioned claims surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and described the operation as an “illegal war.”
During the gathering, speakers at the Dearborn Heights center also referenced reports from Iranian officials alleging civilian casualties from recent strikes.
US officials have not publicly commented on the memorial events held at the two mosques.
‘Our leader’ – US mosques honor Iran’s Ali Khamenei with memorial services
