The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Tashkent released an official statement containing the text of a letter from President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in which the Uzbek leader expressed deep condolences over the death of Iran’s Supreme Religious Leader.
In the letter dated March 1 and published by the diplomatic mission on March 2, it is emphasized that the passing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was a great loss and caused profound sorrow in people’s hearts. In the text, Mirziyoyev notes Khamenei’s many years of contribution to strengthening Iranian statehood, ensuring social stability, and preserving national values, as well as the significant role of the deceased in developing broad cooperation between Uzbekistan and Iran.
“The bright memory of this outstanding person… will forever remain in our hearts,” the published letter states. The President of Uzbekistan also expressed sincere words of support and condolences to the family of the deceased, as well as to the friendly people of Iran, asking the Almighty to accept the soul of the departed into His mercy and grant patience to the relatives.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on February 28, 2026, during a large-scale series of airstrikes carried out as part of a joint operation by the U.S. and Israeli armed forces against targets in Tehran, including his residence and offices of senior officials. Confirmation of Khamenei’s death was reported by state and international media, and a 40-day mourning period was declared in the Islamic Republic.
According to journalistic sources, the strikes were part of an escalation of the conflict in the region, and it was as a result of these attacks that Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed.