Death of Khamenei and the spread of popular celebrations

War – Joint Bulletin No. 1 28 February 2026

Death of Khamenei and the spread of popular celebrations

Following military strikes by the United States and Israel targeting the Supreme Leader’s office, Revolutionary Guard centres and key regime positions in Tehran and other cities, multiple reports indicate the killing of Ali Khamenei, Ejei and a number of senior officials of the Islamic Republic.

According to available reports, those killed include:

Mohammad Pakpour – Commander of the IRGC Ground Forces
Ali Shamkhani – Senior Security Adviser
Mohammad Shirazi – Head of the Supreme Leader’s Military Office
Aziz Nasirzadeh – Minister of Defence
Salah Asadi – Intelligence Chief of Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters
Reza Mozaffari-Nia – Former Deputy Defence Minister and head of SPND
Hossein Jabal Ameli – Deputy Defence Minister and head of Civil Defence

Public reaction across cities

Reports confirm widespread public celebrations in numerous cities, including:

Tehran
Karaj
Dehgolan
Isfahan
Mamasani
Shiraz
Garmdareh
Fooladshahr
Qaemshahr
Abdanan
Malard

In districts such as Pardis and Be’sat (Karaj), and Molavi and Poopak (Tehran), people gathered in the streets, danced, sounded car horns and chanted:

“Death to the Dictator”
“Death to the Islamic Republic”

The celebrations reflect deep anger accumulated over years of repression and the memory of previous massacres.

Regime response

Security forces have attempted to disperse gatherings using pellet guns.
A widespread internet shutdown has been imposed across the country.
Online communications in many regions are severely disrupted or completely cut.

The internet blackout appears aimed at preventing organisation and blocking the flow of information to the outside world.

Immediate concerns

The fate of thousands of detainees and political prisoners remains urgent.
Continued detention under these conditions constitutes a grave crime.
Immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners is demanded.

Families and activists are urged to intensify efforts for their release.

Current situation

Schools, universities and many government offices have been closed.
Social and economic life has been partially paralysed.
The regime appears weakened and destabilised.

This moment presents a significant political turning point.

Political conclusion

As long as the Islamic Republic remains in power, war, insecurity, poverty and repression will continue. The only path to ending this crisis is the complete overthrow of the regime.

Down with the Islamic Republic
Long live the people’s struggle for freedom and equality

Worker-Communist Party of Iran
28 February 2026