Loud explosions have been heard in Doha, the capital of Qatar, as defence systems shot down incoming Iranian missiles. Falling debris ignited large fire that sent plumes of black smoke rising above the city. Iran has hit multiple Gulf states as it responds to US-Israeli attacks.
The killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in an attack by the United States and Israel has triggered sharp reactions across the world as leaders warn of escalation and regional instability.
Iran said it has launched retaliatory strikes on Israel and US assets in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Oman.
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Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has pledged revenge, saying it has launched attacks on 27 bases in the Middle East where US troops are stationed.
Several countries in the region have closed their airspace during the escalating exchange of attacks.
A Gulf source told Al Jazeera that foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE – will hold an emergency meeting by video conference on Sunday to discuss the Iran crisis.
Top diplomats from the European Union’s 27 member states are also holding emergency talks after the United Nations Security Council met late on Saturday.
Here is how several countries, global bodies and prominent groups have responded to Khamenei’s killing:
President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday described the supreme leader’s killing on Saturday as an “open declaration of war against Muslims”, particularly the Shia.
“This tragic event is the greatest trial facing the Islamic world today,” he said in a message offering condolences.
Defence Minister Israel Katz congratulated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the military for the strikes that killed Khamenei.
“He who acted to destroy Israel – has been destroyed,” Katz said in a post on X. “Justice has been served, and the axis of evil has suffered a mortal blow.”
He added that Israel would “continue to act with full force”.
“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,” President Donald Trump said on his Truth Social platform, warning Iran against retaliating further.
“Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever been hit before,” Trump wrote. “They better not do that, however, because if they do, we will hit them with a force that has never been seen before!”
President Vladimir Putin described Khamenei’s killing as a “cynical murder” that violated “all standards of human morality and international law”.
“Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the assassination of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family,” said a message to Pezeshkian published on the Kremlin website.
Putin added that in Russia, Khamenei will be “remembered as an outstanding statesman who made a huge personal contribution to the development of friendly Russian-Iranian relations and brought them to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership”.
Beijing said it “strongly condemns” the killing.
It described the strike as “a serious violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security, a trampling on the aims and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms of international relations”.
“China firmly opposes and strongly condemns this,” its Ministry of Foreign Affairs said while calling for the “immediate halting of military operations”.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described Khamenei’s death as “a defining moment in Iran’s history”.
“What comes next is uncertain. But there is now an open path to a different Iran, one that its people may have greater freedom to shape,” she said on X.
“I’m in contact with partners, including those in the region that bear the brunt of Iran’s military actions, to find practical steps for de-escalation.”
Defence Secretary John Healey said protecting British military personnel and civilians from “indiscriminate attacks” by Iran was his priority.
Speaking to the BBC, Healey said “no one will mourn” Khamenei’s death.
Hamas said it was mourning Khamenei’s death, describing the strike that killed him as a “heinous” US-Israeli attack.
“He provided all forms of political, diplomatic and military support to our people, our cause, and our resistance,” the Palestinian group said in a statement.
The US and Israel “bear full responsibility for this blatant aggression and heinous crime against the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and for its grave repercussions on the security and stability of the region”, it added.
Hamas also said Arab and Muslim countries bear a “political, legal, and historical responsibility to take immediate and decisive action”.
The Houthi political leadership extended its “sincere condolences and deepest sympathy” to the Iranian people.
“This heinous crime represents a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms and embodies the continuation of the unjust attack on the Islamic nation,” it said.
North Korea condemned the US and Israeli strikes as an “illegal act of aggression”.
The attacks “constitute a thoroughly illegal act of aggression and the most vile form of violation of sovereignty in their nature”, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said, according to state media.
Jordan Pickford is no stranger to making spectacular saves for both Everton and England – but was Saturday’s stop to deny Sandro Tonali his best yet?
With the Toffees 3-2 up at St James’ Park, Tonali sent a rasping drive towards the Everton goal which looked destined to draw Newcastle level for a third time.
Pickford, however, flung out a right hand and tipped the attempt on to the bar and away.
The 31-year-old’s Everton team-mate Jarrad Branthwaite described it as “the best save I have ever seen”.
After his side held on to claim the three points, he added: “When he does things like that it is magic. He has kept us in the game at the end of the day and it is a massive three points.”
Speaking on Match of the Day, former Newcastle captain Alan Shearer said it was “world class”.
“It is a brilliant strike from Sandro Tonali, but an unbelievable save,” said Shearer. “The reaction to get that on to the bar was remarkable.”
Where does Pickford’s save rank for you among these other amazing saves?
What information do we collect from this quiz?
Men’s T20 World Cup, Super 8s Group 1, Delhi
Zimbabwe 153-7 (20 overs): Raza 73 (43); Maphaka 2-21
South Africa 154-5 (17.5 overs): Brevis 42 (18); Raza 3-29
South Africa won by five wickets
South Africa produced an unconvincing performance with the bat but beat Zimbabwe by five wickets to set up a semi-final against New Zealand.
An 18-ball 42 from Dewald Brevis at number four proved crucial as wickets tumbled in South Africa’s chase of 154 before George Linde (30 off 21) and Tristan Stubbs (21 off 24) saw them over the line with 13 balls to spare.
South Africa, who have won all seven of their matches in this tournament, are searching for a maiden T20 World Cup title having previously reached the final in 2024.
The result also confirms England, who finished top of Group 2 in the Super 8s, will face either India or West Indies in the last four as neither side will be able to match South Africa’s haul of six points.
They meet in the final Super 8 game at 13:30 GMT, with the winner progressing to the semi-finals.
“South Africa are going to be hard to stop. They have ticked every box in this tournament,” said former Australia wicketkeeper Ryan Campbell on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra.
“They have a massive belief around the group and are starting to bask in the glory of their younger players who have developed.
After restricting Zimbabwe to 153-7, South Africa lost three wickets inside the powerplay, with Sikandar Raza (3-29) removing openers Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram for single-figure scores and Ryan Rickelton for 31 (22).
From 43-3, 22-year-old Brevis combined with David Miller (22 off 16) for a 50-run fourth-wicket stand off 25 balls to break the back of the chase before both batters fell in the space of five deliveries to set up a nervy finish with 53 runs needed from 56 balls.
Earlier, Zimbabwe captain Raza had proved a thorn in South Africa’s side with the bat, striking a defiant 73 (34), including eight fours and four sixes. Clive Madande (26 not out) was the next highest scorer, chipping in with a handful of late boundaries to take Zimbabwe beyond 150.
Men’s T20 World Cup, Super 8s Group 1, Delhi
Zimbabwe 153-7 (20 overs): Raza 73 (43); Maphaka 2-21
South Africa 154-5 (17.5 overs): Brevis 42 (18); Raza 3-29
South Africa won by five wickets
South Africa produced an unconvincing performance with the bat but beat Zimbabwe by five wickets to set up a semi-final against New Zealand.
An 18-ball 42 from Dewald Brevis at number four proved crucial as wickets tumbled in South Africa’s chase of 154 before George Linde (30 off 21) and Tristan Stubbs (21 off 24) saw them over the line with 13 balls to spare.
South Africa, who have won all seven of their matches in this tournament, are searching for a maiden T20 World Cup title having previously reached the final in 2024.
The result also confirms England, who finished top of Group 2 in the Super 8s, will face India in the last four.
“South Africa are going to be hard to stop. They have ticked every box in this tournament,” said former Australia wicketkeeper Ryan Campbell on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra.
“They have a massive belief around the group and are starting to bask in the glory of their younger players who have developed.
After restricting Zimbabwe to 153-7, South Africa lost three wickets inside the powerplay, with Sikandar Raza (3-29) removing openers Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram for single-figure scores and Ryan Rickelton for 31 (22).
From 43-3, 22-year-old Brevis combined with David Miller (22 off 16) for a 50-run fourth-wicket stand off 25 balls to break the back of the chase before both batters fell in the space of five deliveries to set up a nervy finish with 53 runs needed from 56 balls.
Earlier, Zimbabwe captain Raza had proved a thorn in South Africa’s side with the bat, striking a defiant 73 (34), including eight fours and four sixes. Clive Madande (26 not out) was the next highest scorer, chipping in with a handful of late boundaries to take Zimbabwe beyond 150.
Cardiff’s Keiron Assiratti and Dragons’ Ryan Woodman have been called up to Steve Tandy’s Wales squad as they prepare to face Ireland in Dublin in the Six Nations on Friday (20:10 GMT).
Recalled prop Assiratti and uncapped flanker Woodman joined the squad when they returned to camp on Sunday after the tournament’s fallow week.
Ospreys lock Rhys Davies and Scarlets back-rower Taine Plumtree have both been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament and 22-year-old Woodman can operate in both positions.
The Newport-born former Wales Under-20s captain has 43 Dragons appearances, featuring in 13 of 16 games this season.
Tight-head Assiratti was named in Tandy’s original squad for this year’s campaign but was released after a calf injury before the first match against England.
Wales are also waiting on the fitness of fly-half Sam Costelow before they travel to Dublin looking for their first win in 15 Six Nations games.
Forwards: Assiratti, Beard, Belcher, Botham, Carre, Carter, Cracknell, Deaves, Elias, Francis, Griffin, Jenkins, Lake (capt), Mann, Macleod, Smith, G Thomas, F Thomas, A Wainwright, S Wainwright, Woodman.