Video: Iranians dance in the streets after Israeli airstrike kills Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Tehran: The death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has sparked jubilation in Iranian expatriate communities. Following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader in Operation Epic Fury, a joint US-Israeli airstrike, videos circulating on social media show people celebrating with YMCA-style group dances, waving Shah-era Iranian flags, American and Israeli flags. These celebrations are primarily seen among Iranians living abroad, who have been protesting against the Islamic Republic for decades.

What is the situation on Social Media?

Viral videos on social media show Iranians celebrating the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with YMCA-style group dances. These dances are taking place both indoors and at organized events, where people are waving Shah-era Iranian flags, American and Israeli flags. These globally renowned, simple, coordinated hand movements have now taken on political meaning, becoming a symbol of freedom, rebellion against clerical rule, and solidarity with countries that participants consider instrumental in overthrowing Khamenei's regime.

Reportedly, these celebrations are not confined to closed spaces. One of the most widely shared videos shows Iranians and Israelis celebrating together on the streets of Golders Green, London. Late at night, hundreds of people gathered on a residential street and waved Israeli flags, as well as the pre-revolution Iranian tricolor with the lion and sun symbol, which was used before the 1979 revolution. The approximately one-minute video, filmed under streetlights, shows Persians and Jews celebrating together.

What does the the viral video show?

In the viral video, celebrants repeatedly chant "Am Yisrael Chai" (Long live the people of Israel) and wave flags. Some are seen wearing kippahs (Jewish headgear). In one scene, a woman is lifted onto someone's shoulders, as cheers erupt around her. Blue-and-white Israeli flags are visible, along with pre-revolution Iranian flags. The crowd is reported to be composed primarily of Iranian expatriates and refugees, celebrating alongside Jewish Londoners.

These celebrations are reportedly a direct response to Operation Epic Fury, a joint US-Israeli operation that killed Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials. According to reports, Khamenei had been under surveillance for months prior to the attacks. News of his death spread rapidly, and within hours, Iranian expatriate communities gathered and celebrated.