Iranians across the country celebrated the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The killing followed heavy airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Tehran early Saturday.

The attacks sharply raised tensions across West Asia. Iran quickly responded. It launched missiles toward the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The exchange created chaos across the region.

Videos on social media showed people dancing in the streets. They waved flags. People honked car horns. They set off fireworks. Celebrations took place in Tehran, Karaj, Fuladshahr, Borazjan, and Mamasani. Some people cheered even as planes and missiles flew overhead.

One Iranian citizen said in a video shared with Iran International, “This war is not our war. It’s Trump’s war with the hateful Islamic regime. We pray that Trump wins this war, because if he wins, the people of Iran will be free.”

Extraordinary energy outside the Iranian interests Section in Washington. Song, “I’m going to Tehran” blazing as diaspora Iranians celebrate the killing of Khamenei. pic.twitter.com/o7wL5KqzO0

— Holly Dagres (@hdagres) March 1, 2026

Celebrations Spread Abroad

Iranian communities abroad also marked Khamenei’s death.

In Westwood, Los Angeles, home to about 140,000 Iranian-Americans, people gathered in the streets. It is the largest Iranian community outside Iran. Many called for exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to lead the country.

In Australia, some Iranians called the moment “bittersweet.” Many had fled what they described as Khamenei’s harsh rule. In Sydney and Melbourne, planned anti-regime rallies turned into celebrations. Thousands attended. In Canberra, several hundred people gathered outside the closed Iranian embassy. They cheered the Ayatollah’s death. They praised Israel and the United States.

People also gathered in the United Kingdom. Many recalled years of human rights abuses and violence under Khamenei’s leadership.

Why Did Some Iranians Celebrate?

Khamenei ruled Iran since 1989. His government enforced strict political control. Authorities suppressed dissent. Security forces crushed protests.

They cracked down on the Green Movement in 2009. They also suppressed nationwide protests in December 2025 after the economy collapsed. Human rights groups estimate that thousands died in these crackdowns. Authorities jailed many others. Many fled the country.

For many Iranians, especially young people, Khamenei represented an unchallenged authority. Many saw little hope for reform under his rule.

State Declares National Mourning

Iran’s leadership announced 40 days of national mourning. Officials also declared seven public holidays. Authorities said Khamenei died Saturday morning during the US–Israeli strikes on Tehran.

His death marks a major turning point for Iran. It also adds uncertainty to the country’s future and to stability in the region.