Iranian Americans in San Antonio Celebrate Khamenei's Death

Revelers from the Persian community say the news of the Ayatollah's demise is 'icing on the cake' after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Members of the Iranian American community in San Antonio poured onto the streets to celebrate the news of 'Operation Epic Fury', the joint U.S. and Israeli military action against Iran that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Revelers waved flags, danced, and expressed hope that Iran is 'emerging from darkness' after nearly 50 years under Khamenei's rule.

Why it matters

The celebration in San Antonio reflects the broader joy felt by Iranian Americans and others worldwide at the downfall of one of the most repressive regimes in modern history. Khamenei's death could mark a turning point for Iran, potentially ushering in a new era of freedom and prosperity for the Iranian people.

The details

According to the report, the mood at Saturday's celebration near several San Antonio theme parks was more jovial and hopeful than earlier pro-freedom rallies that also served to mourn the deaths of thousands of protesters killed in Iran by the Khamenei regime. Revelers waved flags of the United States, Israel, and the previous Lion and Sun flag of Iran, chanting 'Thank you, Trump' and carrying signs that read 'Make Iran Great Again'.

  • On Saturday, President Trump announced the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
  • For several weeks, the Persian community has gathered in and around San Antonio to rally support for friends and relatives inside Iran.

The players

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The former Supreme Leader of Iran, who was killed in the joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes known as 'Operation Epic Fury'.

Reza Pahlavi

The eldest son of the late Shah of Iran, who issued a statement celebrating Khamenei's death and warning the Islamic Republic's military and security forces that their efforts to preserve the regime would fail.

Amir

An Iranian American who has been in the United States since the fall of the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in 1979, and who danced and celebrated Khamenei's downfall with other members of the Persian community in San Antonio.

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What they’re saying

“We are witnessing another Renaissance, Iran is emerging from darkness that has lasted nearly 50 years.”

— Amir (Breitbart)

“Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty despot of our time, the murderer of tens of thousands of Iran's bravest sons and daughters, has been erased from the face of history. With his death, the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end and will very soon be consigned to the dustbin of history.”

— Reza Pahlavi (Breitbart)

What’s next

Reza Pahlavi warned military, law enforcement, and security forces that any efforts to preserve the Islamic Republic regime would fail, encouraging them instead to join the nation's transition to a free and prosperous future.

The takeaway

The celebration in San Antonio reflects the broader joy felt by Iranian Americans and others worldwide at the downfall of one of the most repressive regimes in modern history. Khamenei's death could mark a turning point for Iran, potentially ushering in a new era of freedom and prosperity for the Iranian people.