Khamenei’s Death Exposes Deep Divisions As Monument Toppled

Crowds in the southern Iranian town of Galleh Dar on Sunday toppled a monument dedicated to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic, as celebrations and mournings broke out following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Videos circulating on social media showed flames rising from a roundabout as the monument was pulled down, with onlookers cheering and applauding. In one clip, a man can be heard shouting, “Am I dreaming? Hello to the new world!” as fires burned on the traffic circle where the statue once stood. The footage could not be independently verified.

Khomeini led the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew Iran’s monarchy and established the Islamic Republic, reshaping the country’s political system. The toppling of his monument comes amid heightened tensions following the sudden death of Khamenei, who ruled Iran for 36 years.

In a separate video, people were seen celebrating in the town of Lapuee in southern Iran outside the home of 15-year-old Pooya Jafari, who was shot dead during anti-government protests in January. The gatherings appeared to reflect anger that has simmered since the deadly unrest earlier this year.

Thousands of Iranians were killed during a crackdown on anti-government demonstrations in January, marking the deadliest wave of unrest since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

Khamenei’s death has exposed deep fault lines in a country long shaped by his leadership. While state media has reported widespread mourning, the videos from Galleh Dar and Lapuee suggest that segments of the population are responding with open defiance and celebration. Authorities have not immediately commented on the incidents shown in the circulating footage.