Von der Leyen: Khamenei's Death Brings 'New Hope' — Iranians Must Be Allowed to Determine Their Future

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday: 'With Khamenei's death, there is new hope for the people of Iran,' adding that 'Iranians have a chance to determine the direction of their country's development and influence its future.' She stressed that 'we must ensure that the future belongs to the people.' The remarks represent the closest any senior EU official has come to endorsing regime change in Iran, and drew criticism from Iran's foreign ministry, which accused Washington and Brussels of using nuclear concerns as cover for pursuing regime change.