Laois politician sparks controversy as he mourns Ali Khamenei

A PROMINENT Laois businessman and former Fianna Fáil general election candidate sparked controversy on social media today, with a statement mourning the death of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

Portlaoise-based Naeem Iqbal, a member of the town’s large Muslim community, said the assassinated leader was ‘a symbol of resistance and a voice for the oppressed’ for those who admired him.

A native of Pakistan, Naeem moved to Ireland from England in 2015 and unsuccessfully ran for Fianna Fáil in the 2024 local and general elections.

An accountant and tax advisor living in Borris-in-Ossory, he previously contested the 2019 local election as an Independent in the Portlaoise Municipal District. His strong performance saw Fianna Fáil approach him to join the party and contest both elections in 2024.

In a post on social media this afternoon, including his personal Facebook page, he said:

‘The world feels heavier with the loss of Ali Khamenei — a man many saw as a symbol of unwavering resistance and faith. Until his last breath, he stood firm for Palestine, never abandoning what he believed was justice, no matter how powerful the opposition.

‘He did not bow to pressure from the United States or Israel. Instead, he chose steadfastness, accepting struggle and sacrifice over compromise. To his supporters, this was not just politics — it was dignity, ایمان (faith) and ultimately Shahadat, a life lived with conviction.

‘For decades, many have watched powerful nations intervene across regions, leaving behind instability, broken societies and innocent lives lost. Narratives were shaped, stories were told and entire nations were painted in ways that justified these actions.

‘In that environment, voices like Khamenei’s stood in defiance, challenging what they saw as injustice and double standards.

‘To those who admired him, he was more than a leader — he was a symbol of resistance, a voice for the oppressed and a reminder that standing firm comes at a cost.

‘His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who believe in the causes he stood for.’ 

The post shortly before 2pm has already prompted a largely negative reaction, but also a small number of supportive comments.

One follower wrote: ‘More accurate to say brutal dictator, extremist and sponsor of terrorism. Never a fan of war but the world is probably better off.’ 

Another commenter said: ‘More than 30,000 protestors murdered in Iran this year alone. No disrespect intended but people who live there have a different view. I won't give the figures of deaths in the last 30 years.’, while another asked: ‘Wasn’t the best on human rights, was he?’ 

Other followers described the post as ‘abhorrent’ and ‘a disgrace’, with some even enquiring whether Naeem was 'drunk'.

One wrote: ‘He wasn't a good man, every time he spoke, he called for the death of somebody. Ordinary Iranians have no civil rights. Free speech is punished by torture or execution. Women have practically no rights. Religious minorities, particularly the Baha'i, are persecuted. They hand out the death penalty like Smarties for even minor crimes. Now, I've no time for Trump or for Netanyahu, a pair of war mongers, their demise can't come quick enough, but this attack on a sovereign nation is wrong.’ 

However, a minority of commenters supported the post, with one stating: ‘A great loss. May Allah give him the highest rank in Jannah.’ 

Meanwhile, a commenter weighing up the impact of the assassination wrote on Naeem's post: ‘Whether you saw Khamenei as a hero or a hardliner, he was the pragmatic anchor who kept the most extreme regional escalations in check. By removing him, the 'Wild West' strategy hasn't brought peace, it has only removed the red lines.

‘The cost is being felt in the smoking ruins of the Minab school strike. There is a massive contradiction in the Allied narrative right now: killing over 100 schoolgirls in a single strike is not the way to support women’s rights. It only reinforces the 'double standards' and turns a mission of 'liberation' into one of tragedy.

‘To those attacking this post: The Iranian leadership is still very much in control, but they are now operating without their 'Great Balancer’. As the coming days will show, these 'once and for all' military solutions never work, they will lead to $110 crude oil, travel and trade paralysis in Israel and the Gulf, and a deeper cycle of revenge.

'The world feels heavier because we’ve traded a managed conflict for an unrestricted one. No matter where you stand, the loss of life in classrooms and the total shutdown of the region shows that 'might' is not the same as 'justice.’ 

In an earlier post yesterday, before the assassination, Naeem said: ‘The latest escalation between the United States, Israel and Iran is heartbreaking.

‘Airstrikes, retaliation and rising tensions are once again putting innocent lives at risk — families, children and communities caught in the middle of decisions they never made. Reports already show devastating civilian impact, reminding us that in war, humanity pays the highest price.

'No matter politics, power, or ideology — war is never the answer. We don’t need more destruction. We need dialogue, accountability and peace.’