Grief and joy as Iranians react to the US-Israeli airstrikes
發佈日期: 2026-03-01 20:06
TVB News
Massive rallies broke out in a slew of cities in Iran to denounce the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The government of Iran has announced a 40-day mourning period and a suspension of public institutions for seven days. It stated the Iranian people would stand united to overcome this difficult time.
Mourners dressed mostly in black assembled in thousands in the centre of Tehran after state media confirmed the "martyrdom" of Khamenei early Sunday.
People were seen bearing Iran's flags and holding posters of the late supreme leader who lost his life in a major US-Israel coordinated strike, voicing their anger and calling for retribution. Many screamed phrases such as "Death to America," "Death to Israel" with tears and fury.
One of the mourners vowed the country will not lose the correct path and that they will "stand more firmly than ever."
In Mashhad, a key northeastern city in Iran tied to religious observances, grief filled the Shiite Shrine of Imam Reza.
A black flag was hoisted over its dome to embody the nation's resolve.
Witnesses described emotional scenes with men, women and the elderly breaking down in anguish as the devastating news sank in.
Demonstrations to ring out Khamenei's assassination also spread to Qom City, according to media reports.
Meanwhile, displays of exuberance surfaced from cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Abdanan, and Qazvin. Crowds were seen cheering from the rooftops and balconies - in some cases, dancing in the streets.
Video footage circling on social media showed people blaring music and honking their car horns in Karaj late Saturday after the US and Israel declared Khamenei's death.
This as many citizens viewed the tenure of the 86-year-old supreme leader as a period of repression and economic difficulty.
