Iranians in Australia Celebrate Following Khamenei’s Death

Melbourne, March 1: Iranians living in Australia have taken to the streets to celebrate the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, following joint US–Israeli air strikes.

Iranian state media confirmed on Sunday (AEDT) that Khamenei was killed in the coordinated attacks. Reports also stated that several members of his family died in the strikes.

In Canberra, dozens of opponents of Iran’s Islamic regime gathered outside the Iranian embassy, waving the pre-revolution Lion and Sun flag alongside Australian, US and Israeli flags. The group later moved to the city centre, where many sang and danced in what organisers described as acts of cultural defiance.

Organisers said the demonstrations reflected a clear message from many Iranians: “No more dictatorship — no Supreme Leader, no Shah — but a secular democratic republic.”

Similar rallies were held in Sydney and Melbourne, where members of the Iranian diaspora expressed relief at the news. Suren Edgar, Vice President of the Australian Iranian Community Alliance, said Khamenei’s death marked “the end of an era defined by repression, executions, censorship and systemic violence.”

“For millions of Iranians, this moment brings a sense of relief,” he said. “He was not just a political figure — he was the ultimate authority behind crackdowns, the silencing of women, the imprisonment of journalists and the killing of protesters.”

Khamenei had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader for 36 years, overseeing major political upheavals, internal crackdowns and growing tensions with Western nations over Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reportedly vowed a “devastating offensive” in response to the strikes.

Speaking to media on Sunday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia stood with the Iranian people in their struggle against oppression.

“Ayatollah Khamenei was responsible for the regime’s ballistic missile and nuclear program, support for armed proxies and acts of violence against its own people,” he said. “His passing will not be mourned.”