Nine Protesters Killed as Demonstration Over Iran Strikes Erupts at U.S. Consulate

Nine Protesters Killed as Demonstration Over Iran Strikes Erupts at U.S. Consulate

KARACHI/ISLAMABAD, March 1, 2026 — At least nine people were killed and dozens more were wounded on Sunday after pro-Iran demonstrators tried to storm the U.S. Consulate in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi, officials said, in one of the most serious outbreaks of violence linked to outrage over the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Hundreds of mostly Shiite protesters breached the outer security perimeter of the U.S. diplomatic mission and clashed with police and paramilitary forces, who deployed tear gas and live fire to disperse the crowds, local authorities said. Videos and witness accounts showed demonstrators smashing windows and throwing stones before security forces regained control of the area.

The unrest in Karachi followed reports that Khamenei, Iran’s 86-year-old supreme leader, was killed in joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian targets, a development that has triggered protests across Pakistan, Iraq and other countries with significant Shiite populations.

Dozens were injured in Karachi during hours of clashes, and hospitals treated people with gunshot wounds and blunt force injuries, rescue workers said. Security was beefed up at diplomatic missions nationwide, and authorities urged calm as protests also occurred in other Pakistani cities and regions.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi appealed for restraint, describing the day as one of mourning for many Pakistanis while warning against violence, local media reported.

The United States Embassy said it was monitoring the demonstrations closely and advised U.S. citizens to remain vigilant and avoid large gatherings.

The violence underscores rising tensions in the region following the Middle East escalation, as anger over Khamenei’s reported death fuels demonstrations and confrontations with security forces in several countries.