‘Son of a b*tch’: Anchor’s strong words about late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei sparks backlash

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in US–Israel strikes. (Image credit: AP)

• Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei killed in US-Israel strikes
• Viral video shows Sky News anchor insulting late Khamenei
• Trump warns US attacks on Tehran will continue until goals met

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Following the joint US-Israel strikes on Tehran that led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ali Khamenei, on Saturday, the city witnessed a mix of mourning and jubilation.

Amid mixed reactions in Iran and globally, a video went viral showing Sky News Australia anchor Rita Panahi using strong language for the late Supreme Leader, saying, “A message to the late Supreme Leader: You son of a b*tch, burn in hell!”

The clip quickly went viral on X, with one user commenting, “She really said 'I’m choosing violence today' and didn’t blink. Mic drop of the century.”

Another user wrote, “The Aussies really are fantastic people.”

A third user said, “I'm so glad people are starting to see Rita Panahi she is a national treasure to us Aussies! Please watch her 'lefties losing it' segments... Pure gold.”

WATCH

Sky News Australia anchor, live on-air, in Persian: "A message to the late Supreme Leader: You son of a b*tch, burn in Hell!" Wild times pic.twitter.com/GnT3DE4PnH — Open Source Intel (@Osint613) March 1, 2026

Meanwhile, Iranian state TV showed a presenter struggling to speak and holding back tears as she announced Khamenei’s death, and videos shared widely online showed people wailing, crying or collapsing after hearing the news.

On Sunday, Us President Donald Trump issued a new warning, saying attacks on Tehran would continue until all objectives are met. He posted a video on Truth Social, stating, “Combat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved. We have very strong objectives."

“As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives,” Trump said, adding, “And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends.”

Khamenei Killed In US, Israeli Strikes

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, aged 86, died Saturday when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian targets, and Israeli officials said his Tehran compound was hit in the operation.

Iranian media reported that Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law were also killed in the strikes. On the other hand, Israeli officials said 200 fighter jets carried out the largest aerial mission in the country’s history, hitting roughly 50 targets across Iran.