Von der Leyen: Khamenei's death has opened up a chance for a new future for Iranians

Dmitro Shevchuk
Dmitro Shevchuk Executive Editor
Von der Leyen: Khamenei's death has opened up a chance for a new future for Iranians
Ursula von der Leyen. Photo: Getty Images
The President of the European Commission said that after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran had a chance for change, but the region was threatened by instability.

Following the death of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iranian society now has the opportunity to determine the country's future development independently. This was stated on social media by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

"With Khamenei's death, new hope has emerged for the people of Iran," she wrote, stressing that the international community should encourage the country's citizens to shape its future themselves.

At the same time, the head of the European Commission warned that the current moment is accompanied by the risk of instability, which could lead to a new wave of violence in the region.

According to her, the European Union is working with key international players and regional partners to ensure the safety and protection of the civilian population.

Von der Leyen also reported on her conversation with King Abdullah II of Jordan, expressing solidarity with the Hashemite Kingdom after the recent Iranian strikes. She stressed that Jordan is an important partner for Europe in the Middle East and will play a significant role in the coming period, and thanked the monarch for his leadership.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, also made a separate statement. In a post on X, she called Khamenei's death "a defining moment in Iran's history" and noted that it opens up prospects for greater freedom for the Iranian people.

Kallas added that she is in contact with partners, particularly in the region most affected by Iran's military actions, to develop practical steps to de-escalate the situation.

Share tittle
Politics
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has agreed to the use of military bases for selected US strikes against Iran
Politics

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has agreed to the use of military bases for selected US strikes against Iran

The new British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has backed the decision to allow the United States to use British military bases for targeted strikes against Iran, which London describes as defensive. This approach continues the policy of the previous government.

22.07.2026
Foreigners may only be allowed to work in Ukraine in sectors where there is a shortage of Ukrainians
Politics

Foreigners may only be allowed to work in Ukraine in sectors where there is a shortage of Ukrainians

Ukraine is considering the possibility of recruiting foreign workers due to an acute labour shortage, but they must not compete with Ukrainians for jobs. A proposal has been put forward in the Verkhovna Rada to allow the employment of foreign nationals only in those sectors where vacancies cannot be filled by domestic workers.

22.07.2026
Putin is only prepared to return to the negotiating table once the Donbas has been seized — Bloomberg
Politics

Putin is only prepared to return to the negotiating table once the Donbas has been seized — Bloomberg

The Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, is prepared to continue peace talks only once the Russian Federation has seized the whole of Donbas. The Russian Ministry of Defence is assuring him that this can be achieved by 2026, but rank-and-file soldiers disagree.

22.07.2026
The Lithuanian Defence Minister has stated that Russia may regard the Baltic states and Poland as its next targets
Politics

The Lithuanian Defence Minister has stated that Russia may regard the Baltic states and Poland as its next targets

Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas has stated that, as the war against Ukraine has not yielded the expected results, the Kremlin may seek a further escalation. According to him, Russia may regard the Baltic states and Poland as its next potential targets.

22.07.2026
Ihor Skybyuk is to become the new Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Politics

Ihor Skybyuk is to become the new Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Major General Ihor Skybyuk is to become the new Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The personnel decisions regarding the reshuffle of the military leadership are due to be formalised on 22 July.

22.07.2026