Iranians are grappling with a wave of shock, grief, anger and even celebration following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in coordinated US-Israel airstrikes. As attacks extended into a second day, the country appeared deeply divided over what his death means for Iran’s future.
The strikes, which also killed senior military leaders, triggered retaliatory missile attacks by Tehran on Israel and US-linked targets across the Gulf, raising fears of a prolonged regional conflict.
Mixed Emotions on the Streets
In parts of Tehran, some residents reportedly celebrated from balconies, honking car horns and playing music after initial reports of Khamenei’s death. Others reacted with disbelief.
“I am in shock. I cannot believe what happened,” said a man in his 30s in the capital.
At the same time, thousands of mourners gathered in Enghelab Square and other cities including Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz and Yazd. Dressed in black, crowds chanted slogans against the United States and Israel while carrying portraits of the late leader.
State television confirmed Khamenei’s death early Sunday morning, describing it as the fulfillment of his “lifelong dream” of martyrdom.
Security Tightened, Uncertainty Grows
Iran has announced a 40-day mourning period and a week of public holidays. Large parts of Tehran remained deserted, with shops closed and heavy police deployment across the city. Security checkpoints were set up in multiple areas.
At border crossings, normal traffic continued, but anxiety was palpable. An Iranian truck driver said the country’s future looked uncertain. “The situation right now in our country is not good at all,” he said, expressing concern over further instability.
Leadership Response and Transition Plans
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called the assassination a “declaration of war,” while senior security official Ali Larijani outlined transition measures and warned that Iran would respond with unprecedented force against Israel and the United States.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump cautioned Tehran against further retaliation and urged the Iranian people to challenge their leadership.
‘Regime Will Stay’
Despite the dramatic developments, some Iranians remain skeptical about immediate political change. Umut, a mining company director who crossed into Turkey after the strikes, said he did not expect a swift transformation.
“Just the names will change, but I think the regime will stay on,” he said. “I don’t expect any regime change in the short run.”
His remarks reflect a broader sentiment among many citizens — uncertainty about the future, fear of escalation, and doubt that the system built over nearly four decades under Khamenei will collapse overnight.