EU chief calls for ‘credible’ leadership transition in Iran after Khamenei killed

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen calls for a “credible transition” in Iran, after the killing of Iran’s former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes.

Foreign ministers from the EU’s 27 nations — most of which are NATO members — hold extraordinary talks to discuss the situation via video link.

Writing on social media after calls with several Middle East leaders, von der Leyen says Khamenei’s death spurred “renewed hope for the people of Iran.”

“At the same time, this moment carries a real risk of instability that could push the region into a spiral of violence,” the European Commission president adds.

Von der Leyen says Brussels is engaging closely “with all key actors” to safeguard stability and security and to protect civilian lives.

“The risk of further escalation is real. This is why a credible transition in Iran is urgently needed,” she writes on X, calling for a “lasting solution,” after speaking with Qatar’s ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

“This must mean the halt of Iran’s military nuclear and ballistic missile programs and the end of destabilizing actions on air, land and at sea,” she writes.

Von der Leyen says she also spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jordan’s King Abdullah II.

Likewise, the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, says she is in contact with regional partners “that bear the brunt of Iran’s military actions” to find practical steps for de-escalation.

“The death of Ali Khamenei is a defining moment in Iran’s history,” she writes on X. “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.”