Iranians in North America and parts of Tehran reportedly took to the streets to celebrate following unconfirmed reports of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death. Videos verified by AFP show people cheering, honking car horns, playing music, and setting off fireworks.
While Iran has not officially confirmed the leader’s death, US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that Khamenei, “one of the most evil people in history, is dead.” Celebrations in North America began even before Trump’s post, triggered by earlier reports.
In Tehran, residents reportedly cheered from their windows and played loud music, though large-scale street gatherings were limited due to lingering fear from last month’s deadly government crackdown on anti-government protests.
The unrest, which began in December over economic hardships, escalated nationwide in early January. Official figures report more than 3,000 deaths, while human rights groups estimate over 7,000, citing violent suppression by authorities.
