Southeast Asian Islamist Groups Respond to Khamenei's Death Amid Limited Influence

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, was killed in joint US and Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026. In response, Islamist groups in Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia, expressed condolences while condemning the military actions against Iran. However, analysts emphasize that Iran's influence in these predominantly Sunni nations remains limited.

Southeast Asian Islamist Groups Mourn Khamenei, But Iran’s Influence Remains LimitedThe Straits Times

The Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) was among the first organizations to extend condolences, with its vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar describing Khamenei's death as a significant loss to the Muslim community. PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang condemned the US and Israel's actions as violations of international norms, calling for global condemnation of what he termed a "cowardly act." Similarly, Indonesia's Ulema Council (MUI) expressed its condolences, praying for Khamenei as a martyr and criticizing the military operations against Iran.

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Historically, PAS's leadership structure was influenced by Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, which inspired the establishment of its Majlis Syura Ulama and the role of spiritual leader. However, political Islam analyst Mohd Faizal Musa notes that the current generation of PAS leaders is less appreciative of Iran's revolutionary ideals compared to their predecessors. Only a few leaders, including Abdul Hadi, continue to advocate for unity between Sunni and Shi'ite sects.

The Straits TimesSoutheast Asian Islamist Groups Mourn Khamenei, But Iran’s Influence Remains Limited

In Indonesia, while Khamenei's revolution inspired some Islamic revivalist movements in the late 1970s, the sectarian divide has limited Iran's lasting influence. Professor Yon Machmudi from the University of Indonesia remarked that the ideological connections have not translated into enduring institutional ties.

Southeast Asian Islamist Groups Mourn Khamenei, But Iran’s Influence Remains Limited

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the US-Israel strikes and later extended condolences over Khamenei's death. His coalition partners, including the Democratic Action Party and Parti Amanah Negara, also denounced the military actions as unprovoked. Meanwhile, Turkey criticized the strikes, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation expressed concerns over escalating regional tensions.

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Despite expressions of sympathy from Southeast Asian Islamist groups, analysts suggest that these sentiments are unlikely to lead to a significant shift in regional politics. The sectarian divide between Sunni-majority Malaysia and Indonesia and Shi'ite Iran continues to constrain Tehran's influence. Observers indicate that while there may be growing sympathy for Iran amid perceptions of injustice, it remains largely symbolic rather than strategic.

Southeast Asian Islamist Groups Mourn Khamenei, But Iran’s Influence Remains LimitedThe Straits Times

• “It is a great loss to the Muslim community. Al-Fatihah.” — Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, PAS Vice-President

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• “The whole international community must unite in unequivocally condemning this cowardly act by the United States and Israel, who are not only the masterminds behind this attack, but are also committing war crimes in the Middle East,” — Abdul Hadi Awang, PAS President

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• “To God we belong and to Him we shall return. As a martyr, we pray that he will become a resident of heaven, Aamiin,” — MUI Statement

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While various Islamist groups have condemned the US-Israel strikes and expressed condolences, the extent of Iran's influence in Southeast Asia remains debated among analysts. Some argue that sympathy for Iran does not equate to a strategic alliance, highlighting the complexities of regional politics shaped by sectarian differences.

Southeast Asian Islamist Groups Mourn Khamenei, But Iran’s Influence Remains Limited