Iranians React to Supreme Leader's Death, Conflict Continues

As the US and Israel continue to wage war against Iran's authoritarian government, Iranians across the globe are expressing mixed reactions to now-former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death.

Khamenei was killed during strikes launched by the US and Israel yesterday, prompting retaliation that has impacted various states across the Gulf. His death was celebrated by leaders like US President Donald Trump, who hailed the actions of American forces. Both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have urged the Iranian people to take control of the country, but they have confirmed that strikes will continue until any remains of Khamenei's legacy are completely and utterly destroyed.

However, his death has led to mixed reactions from Iranians across the nation and around the globe.

Inside Iran, thousands of people gathered to mourn Khamenei's death in the streets of Tehran, waving Iranian flags and holding up posters of the deceased leader. Many were seen chanting "death to America" and "death to Israel," while others promised to take revenge on the Western world for killing their Ayatollah.

Others around the world, particularly citizens in the United States, held rallies fighting back against the actions of Trump and Netanyahu. Many labeled their actions as reckless and unnecessary, while organizations like the United Nations called for immediate peace.

One protest in Pakistan attempted to storm American diplomatic buildings, killing at least 17 people, and similar demonstrations against the US and Israel took place in Baghdad, Athens, Hyderabad, Srinagar, Istanbul, and Seoul.

Nevertheless, that sentiment was not echoed by much of Iran, and most Iranians across the world were seen celebrating after the news of his death broke. Many Iranian citizens cited the extreme violence that the people suffered from during Khamenei's brutal crackdown on protests in January– at least 7,000 people have been confirmed dead, but most estimates place the number higher, with some as high as 36,000.

Videos posted on social media showed people waving historic Iranian flags – which contain a lion holding a sword in front of a rising sun – that served as their national flag prior to Islamic control. Other videos showed people celebrating in the streets with music, fireworks, dancing, and even car horns, chanting "freedom, freedom" and reveling in the news of Khamenei's death.

Iranians outside the country were also seen celebrating in various countries. Many had intentionally left Iran due to the political situation, while people of other religions – particularly Zoroastrianism – were forced to leave to avoid systematic discrimination and harassment imposed by Khamenei and his government.

Rallies took place in numerous cities, including London, Vienna, Berlin, Munich, Brussels, Paris, Barcelona, Melbourne, Lisbon, Tokyo, and Los Angeles. People could be seen waving the same, pre-1979 historic flags, alongside signs that thanked Trump and Netanyahu for the strikes.

Fact of the Day (The Fact Site): In 1943, US officials imposed a short-lived ban on sliced bread as a wartime conservation measure. It lasted less than 3 months.

Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you. (Walt Whitman)

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Paean (noun, PEE-un) - Paean is a literary word that refers to a song of joy, praise, or victory. It can also be used as a synonym of tribute for a work that praises or honors its subject.

In a Sentence: Her retirement party featured many paeans for her long years of service to the company.

Image credit to AP