UK university society MOURNS Ayatollah's death as 'unimaginable loss' - and urges Muslims to 'remain ready'

The society claimed the expression of mourning was not any form of "incitement, endorsement of violence, or unlawful mobilisation".

The death of the Iranian leader was described as "martyrdom" by the Ahlul-Bayt Islamic Society, with condolences given from "all at UCL ABSoc".

The group's "mental health team" went on to describe his death as an "unimaginable loss for the entire Ummah", or the Muslim world.

It added: "This is not the end to resistance. The Shia in the West must remain aware and ready."

In a statement, the group said the Ayatollah served a "broadly religious" role to Shia Muslims and was similar to the Catholic Pope.

They added the post was "lawful expression" protected under academic freedom and freedom of expression.

The society said: "Students are entitled both legally and morally to mourn, to speak, and to organise within the law."

But within hours, the mourning had sparked outrage.

UCL alumnus and former Government adviser James Price said it was "disgusting to see how far Britain has fallen".

"I hope that UCL acts appropriately on this," he added.

While author Dov Forman said the post was "extraordinary".

"A UCL student society publicly mourning Ayatollah Khamenei and urging Shia in the West to stay 'aware and ready'," he said.

"On a UK campus. Universities cannot keep pretending this is just 'student expression.'"

The Supreme Leader was confirmed dead on Saturday after a "decapitation strike" by Israeli forces.

During his reign, Iran carried out state executions, crackdowns on multiple waves of domestic protests, and large-scale killings in the final months of his life.

The US and Iran had been engaged in discussions to curb Iran's nuclear programe - which the now-deceased Supreme Leader was instrumental in building.

His death has sparked celebration among the Iranian diaspora around the world - but outcry and mourning among some in Iran, with the country's Government imposing a period of mourning.

Some Iranians have also expressed fear and uncertainty for the future of their country.

The Ayatollah was eventually confirmed dead by Iranian state media - as well as the deaths of his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter.

Prior to confirmation from the Iranian state, Donald Trump announced the killing on social media.

The President said: "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead."

"He was unable to avoid our intelligence and highly sophisticated tracking systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do," Mr Trump added.

He said the death of the Ayatollah was "the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier said there were "many signs" the Iranian leader was "no longer alive".

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will lead the country during the transitional period after the Ayatollah's death, while Iran's assembly of experts appoints a new leader.

Experts have suggested the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) might instead consolidate power during as military action continues to wage throughout the Middle East.

UCL's student union and UCL itself have been contacted for comment.