Protests Erupt in Pakistan and Iraq Following Death of Iranian Supreme Leader

Karachi, Pakistan and Baghdad, Iraq – At least nine people have been killed as protests unfolded in Pakistan and Iraq on Sunday, March 1, 2026, following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Protesters targeted U.S. Consulates and embassies, expressing anger over the recent U.S. And Israeli strikes that led to Khamenei’s death.

Violence in Pakistan

In Karachi, hundreds of pro-Iranian protesters attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate. According to Muhammad Amin, a spokesman for the Edhi Foundation rescue service, at least eight people were killed and over 20 injured, many with bullet wounds [Reuters]. Protesters breached the main gate, accessing the consular building’s driveway and damaging windows. Police responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowd [Reuters]. Videos circulating on social media show protesters smashing windows whereas the American flag flew over the compound [The Times of Israel].

Demonstrations likewise took place in Lahore and Skardu, with a planned protest near the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad [The Times of Israel]. A United Nations office building in Skardu was reportedly set on fire by protesters, though no casualties were reported [Al Jazeera].

Clashes in Iraq

In Baghdad, hundreds of protesters clashed with security forces outside the fortified Green Zone, which houses the U.S. Embassy [Reuters]. Details regarding casualties in Baghdad were not immediately available.

Context of the Protests

The protests were triggered by the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, following a U.S. And Israeli military operation [The Times of Israel]. Khamenei was a staunch opponent of the West.

Casualty Reports

As of March 1, 2026, at least nine people have been confirmed dead across both countries, with the majority of fatalities occurring in Karachi [Al Jazeera].