Terming the U.S. attack on Iran unnecessary, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has condemned the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei..
Speaking to reporters at the Shivamogga Airport on Sunday (March 1, 2026), Mr. Siddaramaiah stated that, in his view, the U.S. attack on Iran was unnecessary. “The attack on Khamenei and the war on Iran were unnecessary. On the one hand, U.S. President Donald Trump chants the mantra of peace while also waging war. I condemn the double standard of the US. The media is reporting that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead, which deserves condemnation. I pray for his soul to rest in peace,” the CM said.
Regarding the many Kannadigas stranded in different places due to the conflict in the Middle East, Mr. Siddaramaiah stated that he had instructed the Chief Secretary and the Resident Commissioner in Delhi to take appropriate measures to bring all Kannadigas back home safely. “At present, flight operations have been stopped due to the conflict. I have told the officers to bring all of them back home as soon as the flights resume. We are in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs,” he said.
Further, the CM said that he spoke to JD(S) MLC S.L. Bhoje Gowda, who had been stuck in Dubai. “I spoke to him over the phone. He is safe in a hotel. Similarly, a few people from Ballari are also stranded in Dubai”, he added.
The CM landed in Shivamogga by a special flight on Sunday (March 1) afternoon. He was on a day’s visit to Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts. He will be attending the marriage at Tarikere in Chikkamagaluru district.
