Iranians in Twin Cities Watch, Hope, and Wonder What's Next After Khamenei's Death

Regime change could open the door to democracy, but concerns remain about U.S. involvement and the potential for a new oppressive successor.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in a targeted missile strike, has raised hopes and concerns among Iranian-Americans in the Twin Cities. While many support the overthrow of the repressive regime, they worry about the potential for a new dictator to take power and the risks of direct U.S. intervention. Experts caution that past U.S. efforts to reshape governments in the Middle East have not always led to positive outcomes for democracy.

Why it matters

The death of Khamenei represents a potential turning point in Iran's long history of authoritarian rule, which has been marked by brutal crackdowns on pro-democracy movements. However, there are concerns that the U.S. and its allies could install a new leader who may not truly represent the will of the Iranian people.

The details

Khamenei was killed in a targeted missile strike in Tehran, ending his 36-year reign that Iranian-Americans have described as a 'reign of terror.' The loss of life during recent protests against the regime has given some pause, but many still hope the removal of Khamenei could weaken the government enough for the people to rise up and topple it themselves. Experts caution that past U.S. efforts to reshape governments in the Middle East, such as in Iraq and Afghanistan, have not always led to positive outcomes for democracy.

  • Khamenei was killed on Saturday in a targeted missile strike in Tehran.
  • The 'Woman, Life, Freedom' uprising against the Iranian government began in September 2022 after the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini.

The players

Hamid Kashani

An Iranian-American architect who has lived in the Twin Cities since 1973 and is a founding member of the Minnesota Committee in Support of a Democratic Iran.

Parham Alaei

A professor of medical physics at the University of Minnesota who has expressed mixed emotions about the situation in Iran, hoping for regime change but concerned about the potential for a new oppressive successor.

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What they’re saying

“It's a million dollar question. We're looking on with great hesitation and worry for the country and its people. We all support getting rid of this barbaric leader, and hope for better days to come. The only concern is the ultimate outcome. Will we achieve the freedom and democracy that this whole thing is about, or will we replace one dictator with another?”

— Hamid Kashani, Founding member of the Minnesota Committee in Support of a Democratic Iran (twincities.com)

“I didn't want the war to start, but now that it's started … the best outcome of the war would be to have a regime change.”

— Parham Alaei, Professor of medical physics at the University of Minnesota (twincities.com)

What’s next

The loss of Khamenei raises questions about what will happen next in Iran, with concerns that the U.S. and its allies could install a new leader who may not represent the will of the Iranian people. Experts caution that past efforts to reshape governments in the Middle East have not always led to positive outcomes for democracy.

The takeaway

The death of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei represents a potential turning point, but there are concerns that the removal of one dictator could lead to the rise of another. Iranian-Americans in the Twin Cities are hopeful for regime change and greater freedom, but worry about the risks of direct U.S. intervention and the potential for a new oppressive successor to take power.