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The war between Iran and the US-Israel alliance escalated sharply on Sunday after Iran confirmed the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khame­nei in a joint US-Israeli airstrike, a move that has plunged the Middle East into its most perilous crisis in decades.

As the Iranian government declared 40 days of national mourning, reactions to the leader’s passing began to pour in from across Pakistan, ranging from expressions of grief and anger to fear.

Actor Kubra Khan and singer Natasha Baig struck a sorrowful tone with stories posted on their Instagram accounts. Kubra said the “loss” suffered from Khamenei’s death was “real”, while Baig prayed for him to “rest in peace”.

Singer Aima Baig said she was deeply concerned “to see the abuse of international law in the region” and reaffirmed the Iranian people’s “right to self-determination without the presence of Western colonial preservation”.

TV host Shaista Lodhi and actor Khaqan Shahnawaz both said history would not be kind to the “aggressors”, with Lodhi adding that “God stands with the righteous” and “All oppression will be avenged”.

Celebrities weren’t alone in feeling strongly about the death of Khamenei. Protests were organised across the country on Sunday against the US and Israel. In addition to protests, Hindu communities in the towns of Umerkot and Khanpur Mahar announced they would tone their Holi celebrations this week in recognition of the Ayatollah’s death.