Deadly Protests Erupt After Khamenei’s Death as Conflict Spreads Across Region

Good day. It's Sunday, March 1st, 2026. I'm Alice Beth, and this is your latest NEWS UPDATE from GLOBAL News Daily. At least nine protesters have been shot and killed in the Pakistani city of Karachi after crowds breached the outer wall of the US consulate following news of US and Israeli strikes that reportedly killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Witnesses say demonstrators chanted death to Israel, death to America. As tensions escalated, security forces opened fire after protesters forced their way toward the diplomatic compound.

Meanwhile in Iraq, police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse hundreds of pro Iranian demonstrators gathered outside Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, home to the US Embassy. Iran has vowed what it calls the most devastating offensive operation against US bases and Israel in retaliation. President Donald Trump has responded with his own warning, saying the United States would use force never seen before if attacked. Inside Iran, scenes are deeply divided. In some cities, crowds have taken to the streets in celebration following reports of Khamenei's death.

In others, mourners have gathered publicly in grief. Israel says it is continuing strikes on targets in the heart of Tehran, while Iran has resumed air operations targeting locations in Arab Gulf countries. In the United Arab Emirates, debris from an intercepted drone damaged part of the Etihad Towers complex in Abu Dhabi, a site that houses the Israeli embassy along with several other international missions. Authorities say a woman and her child suffered minor injuries. The interception caused loud explosions heard across the emirate as the drone was brought down.

With protests spreading, embassies targeted and threats escalating on all sides, the crisis is rapidly evolving into a broader regional confrontation. The situation remains volatile, with world leaders urging restraint as fears grow of a wider war engulfing the Middle East. For our deep dive and analysis, unlock the exclusive subscriber episode in Apple Podcast now. Follow for more on Spotify. Thanks for listening, Global News Daily.