Iranians Celebrate Khamenei’s Death After 40 Years of Fear
When news spread that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes, Sara (53) screamed and jumped in shock. Her husband paced nervously. They hugged tightly. Just 1 month earlier, security forces had beaten them during protests.
Huge crowds filled Tehran’s streets overnight, dancing and shouting “Freedom.” Drivers honked, fireworks lit the sky, and loud Persian music played. People cheered from balconies. Many women loosened headscarves in open, defiant celebration across the capital.
In January, Khamenei ordered deadly force against protesters, killing at least 7,000+, according to rights groups. His supporters stayed off the streets. After decades of rule marked by beatings and tear gas, many Iranians felt his death was deeply cathartic.
Celebrations spread nationwide. In Galleh Dar (Fars Province), people tore down a monument of Khamenei as fires burned. In Abdanan, young Kurds showed victory signs. In Shiraz, people danced between cars. In Isfahan, hundreds waved white cloths and cheered.
For victims’ families, the news brought painful relief. Dr. Mohsen Assadi Lari, who lost his children when the Revolutionary Guards shot down a Ukrainian plane in 2020, shared their photos, writing, “We will endure the winter, spring is near.” One man shouted, “Khamenei went to hell.”
Iranians abroad celebrated with families through video calls. Homayoun (Paris) opened champagne. Shadi (Los Angeles) raised shots with friends. Shirin (Maryland) danced, saying, “Is this real? Thank God I am alive.” But Iran’s future after 40 years remains uncertain.
