Hundreds of Iranians took to the streets in Tehran and other cities to celebrate the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reportedly resulting from an Israeli-American attack. State television confirmed Khamenei’s death early in the morning, displaying a black banner and broadcasting Quran readings as a sign of national mourning.
Despite the official announcement of mourning, large crowds gathered in Tehran and elsewhere, rejoicing at the news of Khamenei’s demise. Many citizens expressed their feelings through dancing and cheering, with some shouting “Freedom! Freedom!” from balconies and car windows.
“The death of the Ayatollah after nearly 40 years of authoritarian rule marks a significant shift for Iran’s theocratic regime. Many Iranians, both within the country and abroad, celebrated, even as fears of further attacks from American and Israeli forces loomed over some festivities,” reported The New York Times.
In a video call with The New York Times, several Tehran residents described the atmosphere in the city. They reported scenes of men and women dancing and applauding, car horns blaring, fireworks lighting up the sky, and lively Persian music filling the air. In the Kurdish city of Abdanan, youth immediately took to the streets upon hearing the news, with footage showing crowds dismantling a statue of Khamenei amid smoke and flames.
In Shiraz, another major Iranian city, people abandoned their cars to engage in spontaneous celebrations, whistling and applauding as they congratulated one another. Reports indicated that at least a hundred individuals gathered in the southern city to mark Khamenei’s passing.
Meanwhile, social media platforms showcased videos of Khamenei’s supporters taking to the streets with his portraits and flags, expressing grief and calling for vengeance following his death.
Military Actions by Israel and the U.S.
On February 28, Israel launched an attack on Tehran. Subsequently, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the initiation of a “major combat operation” against Iran aimed at eliminating perceived threats from the Iranian regime. He accused Iranian authorities of financing and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Hamas in Palestine, asserting that the operation’s goal was to dismantle Iran’s missile industry and naval capabilities.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched missiles and drones toward Israel and targeted American military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The United Kingdom, currently presiding over the UN Security Council, convened an emergency meeting at the request of France, Bahrain, Colombia, China, and Russia on February 28.
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the events in the Middle East, stating that it is just to give Iranians a chance to rid themselves of a “terrorist regime” and ensure safety for all nations affected by attacks from Iran.
Trump later confirmed Khamenei’s death, while the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that at least seven high-ranking Iranian officials were killed in the airstrikes, including Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpur.
The death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has sparked widespread celebrations across Iran, with citizens expressing joy over the end of his nearly 40-year rule. This event follows a military operation by Israel and the U.S. aimed at addressing threats from Iran, leading to significant geopolitical ramifications.
Source: The New York Times