Iranians recount the first day of war following U.S. and Israeli strikes and the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. This article delves into the immediate reactions, historical context, and the potential implications of these events on Iran’s political landscape.
On the morning of March 1, 2026, Iranians witnessed the beginning of a war that had been brewing for months. The conflict started with a series of airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel, targeting key locations across Iran, including the central Tehran compound where Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei resided. The strikes not only marked the onset of a new war but also resulted in the death of Khamenei, a figure who had been a central pillar of Iran’s political and religious landscape for decades.
The initial phase of the war was characterized by low-flying aircraft and explosions that startled residents. Salman, a 45-year-old contractor from Tehran, recalled the moment: “I had just stepped out of the shower, getting prepared to go out, when the sound of low-flying aircraft startled me. Seconds later, when the sound of two explosions reached us, I realized it had started.” Similarly, Marziyeh, a 40-year-old graphic artist, noticed the sudden change in the atmosphere: “The music was loud, but suddenly I noticed the drivers around me hit the brakes and started looking around and up at the sky. I was just thinking to myself, ‘Is there going to be war?’ When suddenly I heard an explosion, and I said to myself, Stupid! War has already started.”
As the war unfolded, the Iranian government’s reaction was swift. State television and news agencies assured citizens of stability and the absence of shortages. However, a significant message from the Supreme National Security Council advised residents in Tehran and other major cities to evacuate to safer locations. This message was also disseminated via SMS, urging citizens to leave calmly but promptly. The abrupt change in directives, from previous warnings against leaving the city to the current evacuation order, left many Iranians puzzled and concerned.
The situation escalated as the Tasnim News Agency, linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), announced the activation of Basij neighborhood patrols across Tehran’s 22 districts. The Basij, a paramilitary volunteer force, are notorious for their role in suppressing protests and maintaining order through force. Additionally, Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad issued a warning against any illegal gatherings or actions that could destabilize society, signifying the regime’s determination to maintain control amidst the chaos.
The Battle for the Streets
Historically, public protests have been a significant channel for Iranians to express their dissent against the authoritarian regime. The events following the death of Khamenei and the onset of war were no exception. Since the 2009 presidential elections, where the regime refused to seat a reformist candidate, protests have been a recurring theme in Iran. The night of January 8 saw millions of Iranians flooding the streets, chanting slogans against the regime.
The regime’s response to these protests has been marked by severe force. Following the January protests, security forces killed an estimated 30,000 Iranians, as reported by senior officials in Iran’s health ministry. The situation intensified as former U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly encouraged protesters to take to the streets, promising support. By March, this support materialized in the form of military action.
Trump’s role in the events leading up to the war cannot be understated. His repeated calls for Iranians to rise against their government, coupled with his promise of military intervention, set the stage for the conflict. In a video posted on Truth Social, Trump declared, “The hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.” This message resonated with many Iranians, who saw it as a call to action and a promise of liberation.
The death of Khamenei marked a turning point in the conflict. As news of his demise spread, celebrations erupted across Iran. A 63-year-old man from Tehran recounted, “I suddenly heard the whole neighborhood cheering. I only realized why when I checked the news and saw reports of Khamenei’s death.” Similar scenes of jubilation were reported from other cities, with people honking, cheering, and dancing in the streets. The absence of the usual regime forces, such as the Basij and IRGC, allowed Iranians a moment of unbridled expression.
For many Iranians, the death of Khamenei symbolized the potential end of an oppressive era. One resident from Tehran expressed, “People are honking on the streets, people are cheering from windows and rooftops, my hands are shaking from joy.” Another, an engineer in his forties from Mashad, shared, “I feel a trembling inside me — a feeling I’ve never experienced in my life. I think this may be the most important moment of my life. Someone has died who killed all my dreams.”
Despite the celebrations, the future remains uncertain. While the death of Khamenei has sparked hope among many Iranians, the regime’s loyalists still hold significant power and weaponry. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the regime can maintain its grip on power or if a new chapter in Iran’s history is about to begin.
As the war continues, Iranians are facing a complex mix of emotions—hope for a better future, fear of the ongoing conflict, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. The international community will be watching closely as the situation in Iran unfolds, with significant implications for regional stability and global politics.
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