At around 9:40am local time on Saturday, loud explosions shook several Iranian cities. People ran through the streets in fear. Videos on social media showed panic, screams, and confusion near the blast sites.
A day later, authorities confirmed that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, had died in US and Israeli air strikes. US President Donald Trump first announced the news. Iranian state media later confirmed it.
Many Iranians reacted with shock. Some felt relief.
“I couldn’t sleep all night,” a resident in Tehran said. “I’m waiting for the first day without Khamenei. The region feels different now.”
In some areas, small groups celebrated. A video showed teenagers chanting and expressing support for Trump. Others spoke with relief after hearing that key leadership sites were hit.
However, fear also spread quickly.
Long lines formed at petrol stations. Many families left Tehran and moved toward the Caspian Sea region. They believed it was safer. Shops saw people buying canned food and basic supplies.
The government imposed a near-total internet blackout. Communication became difficult. Some residents accessed the internet using satellite services like SpaceX Starlink and VPN tools.
Pro-government residents described a tense atmosphere. They heard fighter jets and multiple explosions. Many rushed to collect their children from school. Security forces increased their presence around key government buildings.
Before the blackout, some people posted emotional messages online.
“If I die, remember we exist too,” one user wrote. Others asked people to protect their children if something happened to them.
Many Iranians still want political change. Some believe outside military action can end the current system. Others fear the leadership could survive and respond with even harsher crackdowns.
The country now stands at a critical moment. Some feel hope. Others fear what comes next.
