In the wake of the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, celebrations erupted across cities in Iran, as people expressed their joy after decades of repression. Mojdeh Karimi, vice president of the Italy-Iran Association for Democracy and Freedom, noted that the protests signify a historic moment where, for the first time in many years, many Iranians feel liberated from the oppressive regime. The joy felt in the streets contrasts sharply with the previous sentiment under the Khamenei regime, characterized by torture and executions.

Karimi highlighted the surprising support for figures like Donald Trump among the young Iranian protesters, challenging the notion of a universal anti-Western sentiment in the country. She argues that historically, Iranians have maintained alliances with both Israel and the United States, which were vilified only under the current regime. This points to a complex relationship that transcends conventional narratives about Iranian values and politics, suggesting a potential shift in public sentiment towards openness and alliance with the West.

As protests continue, there is a growing call for international intervention to assist Iranians in overcoming the oppressive regime. Calls for 'surgical operations' symbolize a yearning for decisive action against the Islamic Republic's leadership, similar to historical international responses in other geopolitical crises. This situation poses significant implications for both Iranian civil society and Western foreign policy, as the international community is urged to reconsider its approach towards the Iranian struggle for freedom.