Cheers erupted on Tehran's streets following reports that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei was killed in U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, according to multiple international news agencies.
On the 28th (local time), AFP and DPA reported that news of Khamenei's death reached Tehran residents through Iranian dissident satellite media operating abroad. Cheers reportedly rang out across the city, with residents leaning out of windows to applaud and play music. Videos of fireworks and whistling quickly spread on social media. However, AFP noted that few citizens ventured onto the streets, still haunted by memories of the harsh crackdown during anti-government protests last January.
The Wall Street Journal reported that cautious hope for a new future had been growing among Iranian dissidents even before reports of the death emerged. A doctor in northern Iran said, "I'm cautious but hopeful," adding that "focusing on eliminating the regime's leadership while minimizing bloodshed is the best-case scenario for democratization."
Meanwhile, scenes of Tehran residents rushing to grocery stores to stockpile water and food, and lining up at gas stations, unfolded immediately after the airstrikes. Traffic jams occurred across the city, adding to the chaos. Some voices expressed hope for regime collapse while fearing civilian casualties from foreign military intervention. A female filmmaker said, "I have trauma from the 12-day war with Israel last June," adding, "People say the U.S. won't harm civilians, but it's hard to believe."