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Contains some upsetting scenes.
Strikes kill Iran's Supreme Leader after decades of rule
Iranians awoke on Sunday to confirmation that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who governed the country for over 36 years, was killed in coordinated US and Israeli airstrikes launched the previous day. The announcement came first from US President Donald Trump, followed by Iranian state media.
Explosions and panic grip Iranian cities
At approximately 09:40 local time (06:10 GMT) on Saturday, residents in multiple Iranian cities reported hearing powerful explosions. Videos shared on social media captured scenes of chaos, with people fleeing blast sites amid screams and cries. One witness in Tehran told BBC Persian they heard repeated detonations near Khamenei's office, describing a heavy security presence on surrounding streets.
Another pro-regime figure, speaking to BBC Newshour, said fighter jets were audible before two explosions rocked northern Tehran early Saturday. The atmosphere, they noted, was thick with tension, with many rushing to stockpile canned food and other supplies.
Mixed reactions: Relief, fear, and calls for democracy
Reactions to Khamenei's death have been sharply divided. Some Iranians expressed jubilation, viewing the strikes as a long-awaited catalyst for regime change. "I couldn't sleep all night," one Tehran resident told BBC Persian. "I'm just waiting to start the first day without Khamenei in it. I think the Middle East-and the world-has become a better place."
In one video, a woman spoke with relief about Khamenei's residence being hit, while another clip showed teenagers dancing and chanting, "I love Trump." Others, however, remain wary. A resident abroad opposing military intervention wrote, "The first victims of this war are 40 girls in Minab, hit by a missile attack. Is this the war you cheer for?"
Before the internet blackout, Iranians posted emotional messages online. One wrote, "If I die, don't forget that we exist-those who oppose any military attack, those who will become just a number in reports of the dead." Another pleaded, "Promise that if anything happens to us, you will look after our children. Tell them we did everything we could."
Mass exodus and communication breakdown
Anticipating further strikes, many Tehran residents fled the capital for the Caspian Sea region, perceived as safer. Long queues formed at petrol stations, and an almost total internet blackout severed most communication. Some briefly accessed the web via Starlink satellite internet or VPNs, but connectivity remained sporadic.
Protesters from past crackdowns-described as among the bloodiest in modern history-now say they welcome regime change, even if achieved through military force. Others fear the strikes may not topple the government and could instead provoke harsher repression. One user wrote, "Even if the regime didn't directly target schools, the deaths of children in Minab are its responsibility. People have no shelters, no warnings, and no way to protect their children."
Uncertainty looms over Iran's future
Text messages reportedly sent to Iranians read, "Help has come," urging civilians to stay home and security forces to stand down. However, public sentiment could shift if civilian casualties mount. State media claimed an Israeli strike on a girls' school killed dozens, though the report remains unverified.
As Iran grapples with the aftermath, one thing is clear: decades of mistrust in the regime have left many questioning official narratives. "The minimum requirement should be to stay at home," one user wrote, highlighting the lack of safety measures for civilians amid the chaos.
