Celebrations erupt across Iran as millions rejoice over Ayatollah Khamenei's death – videos

Millions of Iranians have taken to the streets to celebrate the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose killing was officially confirmed by state television following US and Israeli airstrikes.

Source: The New York Times; Bloomberg

Details: Although Iranian state television has been broadcasting verses from the Quran and has declared national mourning, the situation on the streets differs sharply from the official narrative.

Social media has been flooded with videos from Tehran and other major cities showing thousands of cars forming traffic jams while continuously sounding their horns in celebration. Footage published online shows crowds dancing, singing and setting off fireworks to mark the end of Khamenei's 37-year rule.

For millions of Iranians born after 1989, Khamenei was the only ruler they had ever known. His regime was associated with strict censorship, harsh repression, killings of protesters and a prolonged economic crisis that drove millions to leave the country.

Iranian authorities blocked internet access and for nearly a day described reports of Khamenei's death as a "Western psychological operation". However, at around 03:00 on 1 March, state television confirmed his death.

Khamenei held absolute power, which he inherited from the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khomeini. Over decades, he suppressed virtually all forms of dissent.

In 2009, during nationwide protests, Iranians for the first time began openly calling for his death. The latest major challenge to his rule occurred in January 2026, when security forces, acting on Khamenei's orders, killed tens of thousands of demonstrators during nationwide protests.

Background: On 28 February, the United States and Israel carried out missile strikes as part of a joint operation on a secret bunker where the ayatollah was located. A number of senior officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were also killed.

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