Feb 28 • 20:39 UTC 🇪🇨 Ecuador El Universo (ES)

Iranians shout from windows in Tehran celebrating the rumored death of Ali Khamenei

Residents of Tehran celebrated the unconfirmed report of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's death amidst U.S. and Israeli attacks.

On Saturday, many residents of Tehran spontaneously celebrated, shouting from their windows about the rumored but unverified death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, following new attacks from the United States and Israel. Witnesses reported chants of 'Khamenei is dead' coupled with whistles, applause, and the sounds of car horns, indicating a significant level of unrest and dissatisfaction among citizens. This was further marked by cries of 'Yavid shah,' a call echoing memories of the overthrown monarchy before the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

The jubilation from the crowds lasted for about 20 minutes, revealing a deep-seated discontent among certain segments of the Iranian population toward the political regime established after the revolution led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The celebration appears to reflect broader grievances regarding the current government amid escalated military tensions following reported attacks that resulted in casualties, with the Iranian Red Crescent estimating around 200 fatalities.

As the situation unfolds, these events underscore a volatile atmosphere in Iran, where the enduring rule of Khamenei, who is now 86 years old, has faced criticism and opposition over the years. While the credibility of the reports regarding Khamenei's health remains uncertain, the public's reaction and the chaos surrounding it reveal significant tensions and aspirations for change within the country, warranting attention from both domestic and international observers.

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