Czech leaders condemn Iran's attacks in Middle East; Khamenei confirmed killed

Czech leaders have strongly condemned Iran’s missile and drone attacks across the Middle East following a US-Israeli operation that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials on Saturday morning. The attacks hit several Gulf states, causing widespread disruption.

Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka said he spoke with his Israeli counterpart about the strikes on Iran, which targeted underground nuclear sites and military facilities linked to ballistic missiles. He warned the conflict could last several weeks and advised against travel to Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.

President Petr Pavel highlighted that Czechia has long condemned the Iranian regime’s human rights abuses, support for terrorism, and backing of Russian aggression in Ukraine.

“Our immediate priority is to ensure the safety of all Czech citizens and diplomats. I hope that further escalation can now be prevented and tensions in the region reduced,” Pavel wrote on X.

The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Iran’s attacks “violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Gulf countries and further escalate tensions in the Middle East.”

The statement condemned strikes on Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, and described such actions as unacceptable and destabilizing to international security.

Macinka confirmed that three Czech citizens are registered as staying in Iran and are being monitored by the Foreign Ministry. Authorities said no evacuation is planned, but all Czech nationals in the region are urged to follow local safety instructions and remain near secure shelters.

Police officials emphasized that there is no current threat to the Czech Republic from the Middle East conflict, but preventive measures have been implemented. The Foreign Ministry continues coordinating with NATO and EU partners to monitor the situation.

The US-Israeli operation killed Khamenei along with around 40 senior Iranian officials, including the commander of the Revolutionary Guards and Iran’s armed forces chief of staff.

State media also reported deaths of Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild. The attacks reportedly hit 24 of Iran’s 31 provinces, causing at least 201 deaths, including 108 in a girls’ school explosion.

Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israel and US military bases in the Gulf. Tel Aviv reported at least one civilian killed and 120 injured. Strikes were also reported in Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, and Kuwait, with damage at major airports and infrastructure.

Iran’s leadership vowed a “devastating offensive operation” against US and Israeli targets, while emphasizing national stability and internal cohesion.

Czech authorities have urged citizens in the region to avoid travel and to follow local civil defense instructions. Officials reiterated that diplomatic engagement remains critical to preventing further escalation. Authorities continue to assess the situation closely and will take measures to ensure the safety of all Czech nationals in the region.