The death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, sparked scenes of celebration in several cities across the country and around the world. According to Iranian authorities, Khamenei was killed in airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Saturday, prompting the government to declare a 40-day period of mourning.
Celebrations in the streets of Tehran and other cities
In several neighborhoods of Tehran and other Iranian cities, as well as in Lebanon, Syria, Sunni Iraq, Israel, and the United States, residents spontaneously expressed their joy. Videos shared on social media show Iranians applauding from their balconies, honking their horns, playing music, and setting off fireworks upon the announcement. Witnesses reported shouts of joy and expressions of relief in areas where the regime had long maintained strict control.
The celebrations were particularly visible in urban areas, reflecting a sense of liberation among a segment of the population after decades of authoritarian rule. The scenes of jubilation were concentrated in certain areas, and not uniform across the country.
Part of the population, particularly opponents of the regime, sees Khamenei's demise as a historic opportunity for change, following massive protests and severe repression in recent months.
These scenes of joy are unprecedented in the current Iranian context and reflect both a rejection of the regime and the hope for a transition to a new political era.
