Some celebrate in Iran after supreme leader’s death, but deep fear and uncertainty remain

Associated Press (AP)EN 6 min read 100% complete by By AMIR-HUSSEIN RADJY, SARAH EL DEEB, KAREEM CHEHAYEB and LEE KEATHMarch 1, 2026 at 10:23 PM

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Following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S. and Israeli strikes on Sunday, March 1, 2026, some Iranians celebrated openly in the streets. However, many also expressed fear and uncertainty about the country's future. State media showed large crowds mourning Khamenei, while some who participated in past anti-government protests said the security presence was too strong for new demonstrations. The Basij paramilitary was heavily present in Tehran, suppressing public displays of celebration. The strikes, which also killed top military leaders, have stirred complex emotions within a divided Iranian society, leaving people living "between hope and fear."

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Rasht 40% Isfahan 50% Yazd 50% Donald Trump 50% Basij ×260% Tehran ×270% Israel 70% United States ×280% Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ×290% Iran ×6100%

Keywords

iran 100% death of supreme leader 90% ayatollah ali khamenei 80% fear and uncertainty 80% u.s. and israeli strikes 70% public celebration 60% political instability 60% basij paramilitary 50% anti-government protests 50% state media 40%