Kathmandu — Reports have emerged of celebrations in parts of Iran after the United States claimed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an airstrike.
Iranian activist and journalist Masih Alinejad shared a video on social media showing Iranians celebrating, writing: “Am I dreaming? Greetings to a new world.” In another self-recorded video, she remarked that while Iranians normally wake up to news of citizens being killed under Khamenei’s rule, this time she experienced “the first good news of my life,” expressing visible relief and joy.
Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi had previously called on Iranians to unite in support of a “stable transition toward a free and prosperous future” in the wake of Khamenei’s death. Posting on social media platform X, Pahlavi labeled Khamenei a “bloodthirsty ruler” and suggested that his death brings the Islamic Republic closer to its end. He also urged the military, security forces, and police to stand with the people, warning that any attempt by the collapsing regime to protect itself would fail.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump also claimed on social media that Khamenei had been killed, describing it as “justice not only for the Iranian people but for many victims around the world.” He stated that the operation was carried out in coordination with Israel using advanced intelligence capabilities, warning that intensive and precise strikes would continue until peace is established in the Middle East.
