Khamenei’s Death: Iran Reactions, War Fears & US-Israel

Celebration and mourning erupted across Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking the end of his nearly four-decade rule. The response was extraordinary, with public displays of both grief and jubilation.

Contrasting Reactions to Khamenei’s Death

In Tehran’s squares, crowds mourned the leader, chanting and displaying his image on placards. Simultaneously, videos circulating on social media showed people celebrating, dancing, honking car horns, and setting off fireworks as news of his death spread.

Nazanin, 24, a media professional in Tehran, described the outpouring of joy. “The street was full! I had tears rolling down my eyes. No one outside can understand what Iranians who were victims of this murderer feel right now,” she said.

She connected the news to the deaths of Nika Shakarami, Sarina Esmailzadeh, and Mahsa Amini – women who became symbols of the 2022 “Women, Life, Freedom” protests. “I was hoping – for the sake of Nika, Sarina and Mahsa – that the news was true,” she said. “But I couldn’t believe it. I hardly slept.”

Violence and Loss Under Khamenei’s Rule

The differing reactions reflect deep divisions within Iran, a nation reeling from the sudden loss of its long-time leader. For those who experienced the recent crackdown on nationwide protests, the news was met with relief. More than 7,000 people have been confirmed killed in the demonstrations, with another 11,000 deaths under investigation, according to the US-based human rights group HRANA. Tens of thousands more were arrested or injured.

Mina, 20, a university student in Tehran, recalled being caught in gunfire during a state crackdown in January. “I saw people falling in front of us. I will never forget the scene of beautiful, young boys and girls with their whole lives ahead lying in a pool of blood. The only thing in my head at that moment was to hope those responsible for their murder will face a worse fate. And today, that wish for vengeance I felt was fulfilled when I saw the news of Khamenei’s death,” she said.

A doctor based in Rasht described the trauma of treating hundreds of protesters with gunshot wounds to the head, chest, and genitals in January, but quietly celebrated the news. “I smoked a cigarette for the first time last night. It was the best Saturday night ever,” he said.

Despite apprehension about Iran’s future, the doctor said the supreme leader’s death brought relief to many. “We as a nation have been waiting for this news for decades. I feel like I am dreaming but we are cautiously celebrating. For now we celebrate – despite the security forces armed with AK47s.”

Residents of Arak reported gatherings in public squares where people shared tea. In Khamenei’s hometown of Mashhad, students on motorbikes drove through the city in celebration, according to one witness.

Mourning and Loyalty Remain

However, many Iranians remain fearful following the deadly suppression of anti-government protests in January.

Thousands gathered in central Tehran to mourn Khamenei’s death. Footage showed mourners packed into a square, dressed in black and weeping. Some chanted “death to America” and “death to Israel,” waving Iranian flags and holding photos of the late leader.

Hossein Dadbakhsh, 21, a university student in Mashhad, vowed revenge. “I am ready to sacrifice my life for Islam and for my imam Khamenei. The Zionist regime and Trump will pay a heavy price for the martyrdom of my leader,” he said.

Atousa Mirzade, a schoolteacher in Shiraz, expressed concern about the future. “I also cannot be happy because I don’t know what will happen to our country. We saw what happened in Iraq: chaos and bloodshed. I would prefer the Islamic republic to that situation.”

For Mahsa Piraei, based outside Iran but whose mother, Minoo Majidi, was killed by regime forces during the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests, Khamenei’s death signaled a new beginning. “Today is a beautiful day,” she said. “Of course, we all know that there is a long way to go … [but] my family and I, and all the families whose loved ones were killed by this murderous regime, have been waiting for this moment for a long time.”