Fireworks, chants and rooftop cheers mark Khamenei’s death in Iranian cities | Watch

Khamenei, 86, had led the Islamic Republic since 1989 and was the central authority in Iran’s political and religious system.

• Celebrations erupted in Iranian cities after Khamenei's death.
• Videos showed fireworks, music, and anti-regime slogans.
• Khamenei's death raises questions about Iran's future leadership.

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Scenes of celebration were reported across several Iranian cities early Sunday after state television confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Residents in parts of Tehran were heard cheering from rooftops and balconies, with videos circulating online showing fireworks, music and people honking car horns. Footage verified by Agence France-Presse captured sustained whistles and applause echoing through neighbourhoods of the capital.

Similar scenes were reported in Karaj and Isfahan, while social media posts suggested gatherings in Shiraz and Abdanan. However, large crowds had not yet poured fully into the streets, with some residents said to be cautious following recent crackdowns on anti-government protests, reported AFP.

Clips widely shared online showed residents chanting, playing loud music and celebrating from windows and rooftops. In some footage, slogans opposing the Islamic Republic could be heard. Reuters and other international outlets reported that celebrations were visible in multiple urban centres.

Scenes of celebration emerging from #Iran after the death of Iranian Supreme Leader #Khameneipic.twitter.com/h4CB4jvMe4

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— Arjun (@ArjunxTweets) February 28, 2026

Iranian activist and journalist Masih Alinejad posted videos she said were filmed inside Iran, describing the moment as surreal and historic. In one clip, she said the news brought “the first morning of good news” in her lifetime.

A video of Iranian people celebrating inside Iran: “Am I dreaming? Hello, new world.” #Iranpic.twitter.com/yuN1JU9APz — Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) February 28, 2026

Outside Iran, expatriate communities were also seen marking the development. Videos from London showed Iranians and Israelis celebrating together in public spaces.

Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi called on Iranians to unite behind what he described as a “stable transition to a free and prosperous future,” warning that any attempt by the regime to appoint a successor would lack legitimacy.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed responsibility for the strike that killed Khamenei, describing it as “justice” in a post on Truth Social and indicating that military operations would continue.

Khamenei, 86, had led the Islamic Republic since 1989 and was the central authority in Iran’s political and religious system. His death marks a pivotal turning point, raising questions over succession and the stability of the regime amid escalating regional conflict.