Celebrations have been reported among some Iranians both inside Iran and around the world after news spread that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint United States Armed Forces–Israel Defense Forces airstrike campaign targeting Iranian leadership and regime structures. Iranian state media has confirmed his death following the strikes.
Videos verified by multiple outlets show people in cities like Tehran, Karaj, Shiraz and others cheering from homes and balconies, honking car horns, playing music and, in some cases, dancing in the streets after reports of Khamenei’s death.
Some residents expressed a mix of joy, disbelief and relief, with honking, whistling and fireworks as the news spread.
Members of the Iranian diaspora in cities such as London, Madrid, Berlin, Los Angeles and Brisbane have also gathered to celebrate the news, with waving of flags, cheering and public demonstrations marking what some described as a historic moment.
