Massive groups of Iranians took to the streets in Tehran and other cities in Iran to celebrate the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country’s supreme leader, following coordinated attacks by the US and Israel. Khamenei’s demise, a result of a significant attack by the US and Israel, marks a pivotal moment in Iran’s 46-year Shia-theocratic rule, triggering retaliatory actions from Tehran that led to unrest across the Middle East. Despite the joyous atmosphere, concerns loomed over potential future attacks by American and Israeli forces, tempering some of the celebrations.
Residents in Tehran, connected to the outside world through Starlink satellite internet, were seen expressing their happiness by shouting from windows and rooftops immediately after learning about Khamenei’s death. Videos circulated online, despite internet disruptions, showing people dancing and rejoicing in cities like Karaj, Qazvin, Shiraz, Kermanshah, Isfahan, and Sanandaj. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has vowed to avenge Khamenei’s death, labeling the perpetrators as “murderers” and threatening a severe offensive operation against the US and Israel, which they claim will be the most intense in history.
In an official statement on its Telegram page, the IRGC emphasized the Iranian nation’s determination to seek retribution for Khamenei’s killing, promising not to let the perpetrators escape justice. The IRGC, along with the Armed Forces and Basij forces, pledged to uphold Khamenei’s legacy, defend against internal and external threats, and deliver what they termed as a punitive lesson to those who attack the Islamic homeland. The Iranian Cabinet also issued a warning, asserting that the “great crime” of Khamenei’s death will not go unanswered.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the death of the 86-year-old cleric, ending his 36-year reign over Iran. Trump, announcing the news on Truth Social, highlighted the effectiveness of intelligence and tracking systems in eliminating Khamenei, with the collaboration of Israel. Following the US-Israeli offensive, Iran retaliated by launching drones and missiles at countries like Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, Jordan, and Kuwait. The attack, initiated shortly after midnight in Washington and during the day in Iran, occurred after unsuccessful talks in Geneva mediated by Oman. Last month, Iran faced widespread protests due to inflation, which were forcefully suppressed by the government, resulting in numerous casualties.
