Iran Divided: Jubilation and Mourning Follow Death of Supreme Leader Khamenei
The sudden demise of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has triggered an extraordinary and deeply polarised public response across the nation, marking the end of nearly four decades of his authoritarian rule. In Tehran's squares, clusters of mourning citizens gathered, chanting slogans and holding placards bearing his image, while simultaneously, videos circulated on social media showing jubilant crowds dancing, honking car horns, and setting off fireworks in celebration.
Contrasting Emotions Reflect Societal Faultlines
The starkly contrasting reactions highlight the profound faultlines within Iranian society, which has been stunned by the leader's death. For many who endured the violent crackdown on nationwide protests, particularly the Women, Life, Freedom movement, the news brought a sense of relief and vindication. Human rights group HRANA reports that over 7,000 people were confirmed killed in demonstrations, with 11,000 more deaths under investigation, and tens of thousands arrested or injured.
Nazanin, a 24-year-old media professional in Tehran, described the scene: "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 referenced Nika Shakarami, Sarina Esmailzadeh, and Mahsa Amini, three women killed in 2022 who became icons of the protests, expressing hope that the news was true but admitting disbelief.
Personal Accounts of Trauma and Celebration
Mina, a 20-year-old university student in Tehran, recalled being in a group of protesters hit by gunshots in January when state forces opened fire. "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," she said. For her, Khamenei's death fulfilled a wish for vengeance against those responsible.
A doctor based in Rasht, traumatised by treating hundreds of protesters with severe gunshot wounds in January, quietly celebrated the news. "I smoked a cigarette for the first time last night. It was the best Saturday night ever," he said, noting cautious optimism despite fears of what comes next. "We as a nation have been waiting for this news for decades. I feel like I am dreaming but we are cautiously celebrating."
Regional Responses and Public Gatherings
In cities like Arak, residents gathered in squares offering tea to one another after the news broke online. In Khamenei's hometown of Mashhad, witnesses reported students riding motorbikes jubilantly through the streets. However, many Iranians remain fearful following the deadly January crackdown on anti-government protests.
Meanwhile, thousands mourned in Tehran's centre, with footage showing crowds dressed in black, weeping, and chanting "death to America" and "death to Israel" in Enghelab Square. Hossein Dadbakhsh, a 21-year-old 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."
Uncertainty and Hope for the Future
Atousa Mirzade, a schoolteacher in Shiraz, expressed mixed emotions, unable to be happy about a leader killed by a foreign power and fearing potential chaos similar to Iraq. "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," she said.
For others, hope prevails. Mahsa Piraei, whose mother Minoo Majidi was killed during the protests, sees Khamenei's death as the dawn of a new era. "Today is a beautiful day," she said. "Of course, we all know that there is a long way to go ... 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."
The divergent responses underscore the complex legacy of Khamenei's rule, leaving Iran at a crossroads as it grapples with grief, celebration, and an uncertain future.
