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3. Celebrations Reported Across Iran and the Diaspora After Khamenei's Killing

Videos shared by anti-regime activist accounts show people in Iran celebrating in the streets overnight after the announcement of the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Footage from social media showed people lighting off fireworks from their balconies and calling out to each other from their apartments. Other videos shared on social media show Iranians cheering as planes or missiles pass overhead.

One video from Iran International reportedly features an Iranian citizen saying: “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.”

People were not, however, coming out en masse to celebrate, according to social media. Many Iranians were fearful after the deadly crackdown on mass anti-government protests in January.

Mass celebration among the Iranian Diaspora

Celebrations were also reported internationally among members of the Iranian diaspora following Khamenei’s killing.

The Los Angeles Times reported widespread celebrations among segments of Iran’s local population following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with many participants calling for Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to assume leadership of the country.

On Saturday night, gatherings took place in one of London’s largest Jewish communities after news of Khamenei’s death emerged. Videos circulating on social media showed Israeli and Iranian flags being waved, with members of the local Persian community joining in the celebrations.

In Australia, approximately 200 Iranian Australians gathered outside the Iranian Embassy in Canberra on Sunday. Demonstrators waved Australian, American, Israeli, and pre-revolution Iranian flags while chanting and dancing.

Toronto’s Iranian community also took to the streets following reports of Khamenei’s death.