Iranians Celebrate Assassination of Supreme Leader Khamenei

Crowds dance, cheer, and flash peace signs in the streets after U.S.-Israeli strike kills Iranian leader.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Iranians across the country are celebrating in the streets after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a U.S.-Israeli military strike on his compound in downtown Tehran on Saturday. Videos on social media show crowds of people dancing, cheering, playing music, honking horns, and flashing peace signs in cities like Karaj, Fuladshahr, and Borazjan. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also praised Khamenei's death, calling him "one of the most evil people in History." Iranians living abroad in places like Madrid, London, Berlin, and Los Angeles also expressed support for the killing.

Why it matters

Khamenei's assassination marks a major political shift in Iran, as the country's long-serving supreme leader has been a central figure in the Islamic Republic's theocratic government for decades. His death could lead to significant changes in Iran's leadership and foreign policy, with major implications for the region and global geopolitics.

The details

According to reports, the U.S. and Israel collaborated on the overnight airstrike that targeted Khamenei's compound in downtown Tehran, killing the 87-year-old supreme leader. Khamenei had served as Iran's highest-ranking political and religious authority since 1989.

  • The airstrike that killed Khamenei occurred on Saturday, March 1, 2026.
  • Khamenei had served as Iran's supreme leader since 1989.

The players

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The former supreme leader of Iran, who was killed in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike on March 1, 2026.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who praised Khamenei's assassination, calling him "one of the most evil people in History."

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What’s next

The big question now is who will replace Khamenei and guide Iran into a new era, but the answer is still unknown.

The takeaway

Khamenei's assassination marks a major political shift in Iran, with significant implications for the country's leadership and foreign policy in the region and globally.