The Iranian Australian community has voiced significant concerns regarding memorial services for the recently deceased Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, hosted by several mosques in Melbourne and Sydney. Khamenei, who served as Iran's supreme leader, was a key figure in the country’s governance and armed forces, but his legacy is contentious, especially among diaspora communities who emphasize democratic values and human rights. These memorials come during heightened tensions in the Middle East, following military actions by Israel and the US against Iran.

The community members are particularly disturbed by the actions of some Shia Muslim mosques and Islamic centres that have publicly acknowledged Khamenei's passing. In response to these memorials, community leaders have stressed that they do not align with the Iranian government's narratives or the ideologies promoted by Khamenei during his leadership. They argue that such ceremonies could be seen as endorsing his policies and reign, which many believe contributed to the repression and suffering of citizens in Iran.

The backlash against these memorials highlights the complexities within the Iranian Australian community, which is not monolithic in its views on Iran’s political situation. As represented by social media critiques and organized responses, many members seek to distance themselves from Khamenei's legacy, focusing on building a community that embraces human rights, peace, and solidarity with those suffering under authoritarian regimes. This incident reflects broader discussions around identity, belonging, and the challenges of reconciling cultural heritage with personal and political values in the diaspora.