Iranians cheer in streets after unconfirmed reports of Ayatollah Khamenei’s death, with video footage showing celebrations in Tehran following social media claims

PARIS: Iranians took to the streets cheering with joy and playing celebratory music after reports of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death, according to video footage verified by AFP.

There was no official confirmation from Iran. US President Donald Trump said on his Truth Social network that “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead”.

The celebrations began shortly after 11 pm local time in response to initial reports. Loud cheers echoed across parts of Tehran as residents took to their windows to applaud and play loud music, according to multiple witnesses and audio recordings.

Iranians later blared music, cheered, clapped and honked their car horns, according to videos on Telegram verified by AFP. Loud and sustained whistles and cheers were heard, and fireworks could be seen being launched in videos shared on social media.

Many Iranians were fearful after the deadly crackdown on mass anti-government protests last month. The initial wave of protests began in December, sparked by economic woes in the sanctions-hit country.

They soon grew into nationwide demonstrations that crested on January 8 and 9, posing one of the largest challenges to Iran’s leaders in years. The unrest prompted a violent government crackdown that killed thousands of people.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has recorded more than 7,000 deaths, while warning the full toll is likely far higher. Iranian officials acknowledge more than 3,000 deaths, but say the violence was caused by “terrorist acts” fuelled by the United States and Israel.

During the protests, the government had sought to walk a line between acknowledging protesters’ legitimate economic grievances while condemning so-called “rioters”.

 The Sun Malaysia