The world has been shaken by reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in joint military operation by the United States and Israel. This event has sparked mixed reactions on social media and in public life that range from mourning and official grief to heated celebration and viral memes.
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On one hand, state media in Iran broadcast scenes of mourning. Presenters are struggling to hold back tears as they announced Khamenei’s death and described it as martyrdom. Footage shared online showed some religious and pro‑government supporters weeping and praying for revenge, and many Iranians inside the country, expressed sadness or fear about the future.
On the other side of the story, social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have exploded with celebratory posts from Iranians and others who opposed Khamenei’s rule, especially many Iranian women and young people living abroad. Videos and memes rapidly spread showing men and women dancing, cheering, and making jokes about his death.
The happiest nation at the moment is Iranians.
Thank you big Man for standing on your word! pic.twitter.com/Z8x8Y533Hh— Mooné Rahimi (@hiitsmemooneh) March 1, 2026
The women in Iran probably have not their heads free from a Hijab for a very long time. Let it go girl!!! Dance your hearts out.pic.twitter.com/EWyQO1Uzim
— Dr. Dawn Michael (@DawnsMission) March 3, 2026
Iranians Bust Out Trump Dance While Waving US, Iranian, and Israeli Flagspic.twitter.com/CwsGx0R3xh
— TaraBull (@TaraBull) March 2, 2026
This is what Iran looks like now.
Women in the streets without their faces covered openly doing the Trump dance.
Iranians all over the world are celebrating.
Now all the people who fled Iran and came to America can go back home.
Millions of people were displaced by Khamenei.
This… pic.twitter.com/LhzaN9Bwbk— Isaac Holyk for U.S. Senate (@voteholyk) March 2, 2026
Across different cities outside Iran, similar scenes played out. In places like London, young Iranian expatriates and even some Israelis were seen celebrating together in public squares, waving flags and chanting slogans.
Inside Iran, part of the reaction has been harder to verify because internet and phone services were reportedly disrupted, making it difficult to confirm all on‑the‑ground footage.
Amid the flurry of posts online, misinformation and fake clips have circulated too. For example: old video of Khamenei speaking was falsely shared as if it were a response to his death. But fact‑checkers confirmed it was from earlier event and absolutely unrelated to current situation.