Camilla Tominey gobsmacked as she rages at London university over Ayatollah 'commemoration' event

Mr Collier wrote on X: “This is a pro-Khamenei student society on campus at UCL - holding a commemorative event for ‘the fallen’ (Khamenei and his buddies).

"This event is on campus. How are university rooms in London being used by pro-Khamenei groups - while Iran fires rockets at British soldiers?”

The poster for the event, circulating online, is branded by AhlulBayt Islamic Society UCL and features a Quranic verse which reads: “And do not say about those who are killed in the way of Allah ‘They are dead.’ Rather, they are alive, but you perceive [it] not.”

It advertises a talk titled “Commemorating the Fallen”, with Sr. Noor Owainati listed as speaker.

The event is scheduled for March 4 at 6pm.

The promotional material does not explicitly mention Iran or the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli air strikes over the weekend.

However, the timing has fuelled speculation online.

The People's Channel presenter wrote on X: “What. On. Earth? NB UCL was the first British university to admit Jewish students.”

Fans of Camila were quick to side with her in the comments.

"UCL is the ONLY university in the UK with a department dedicated to Jewish Studies," one X user commented, as another wrote: "They should be expelled."

What. On. Earth? NB UCL was the first British university to admit Jewish students https://t.co/il4cIPz28v

— Camilla Tominey (@CamillaTominey) March 2, 2026

"I believe UCL gets a huge percentage of international students, which maybe why it;s a hotbed of Islamism," one user speculated.

Another demanded: "Defund the whole lot!"

However, one user commented: "Thought you agreed with freedom of thought and speech?"

The row comes as tensions in the Middle East reach boiling point.

Over the weekend, US-Israeli forces launched what were described as “pre-emptive” strikes on Iran, resulting in the death of Ayatollah.

Tehran has since retaliated with a wave of missile attacks across the region, including strikes on Tel Aviv and US-linked sites in Gulf states.

GB News viewers witnessed the escalating crisis first-hand when an interview broadcast live from Tel Aviv was abruptly halted by air raid sirens as Israel braced for further Iranian strikes.

The UK Government has confirmed it is not participating in offensive operations against Iran, though British bases are being used for defensive purposes.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told the House of Commons: “We are not joining the strikes, but we will continue our defensive action in the region.”

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has said that while the UK was not involved in the killing of Khamenei, “I don’t think anyone would mourn what has happened”, describing Iran’s regime as destabilising and brutal.

Against that backdrop, critics have questioned whether it is appropriate for a UK university campus to host an event perceived by some as sympathetic to figures aligned with Tehran.

Supporters of the student society, however, argue that Shia Islamic communities frequently use the language of “the fallen” and martyrdom in a broader religious context, and that the poster itself does not explicitly reference Iran or its former leader.

A UCL spokesman told GB News: “We are looking into social media posts by the AhlulBayt Islamic Society, which have led to a number of complaints.

“We recognise that the recent events and escalation of conflict in the Middle East and the wider region are causing significant distress for many members of our community. With students and staff from a wide range of backgrounds, our priority is to ensure that everyone feels safe, respected, and supported.

“UCL has in place a range of dedicated, expert support, both practical and emotional, for students and staff affected by conflict.”