The Daily Celebration and Mourning: Inside an Iran at War
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Mar 2, 2026 
Farnaz Fassihi, UN bureau chief and Iran reporter for The New York Times, brings frontline reporting from inside Iran. She describes street celebrations after Khamenei’s death, polarized scenes of mourning and support, and how recent strikes exposed leadership vulnerabilities. She also discusses succession planning, the regime’s show of control, and Iranians’ hopes for return and change.
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Diaspora and Streets Celebrate Khamenei's Death
- Farnaz Fassihi describes Iranians pouring into Tehran streets with honking cars, fireworks, and chants of freedom after Khamenei's death.
- She recounts FaceTime calls with diaspora families crying, toasting, and sharing relief as they watched celebrations and filmed street scenes.
Most Iranians Oppose The Regime
- Farnaz estimates roughly 80 percent of Iranians oppose the regime and about 20 percent are core supporters, inferred from recent voter turnout patterns.
- She cites election participation and nationwide January protests, including in regime strongholds, as evidence of broad opposition.
Khamenei Turned Revolution Into State Power
- Farnaz contrasts Khamenei with Khomeini: Khomeini led a revolution; Khamenei led a state that entrenched institutions, proxies, and military power.
- She links that state-building to Iran's regional proxy influence, nuclear and missile capabilities, and domestic repression including shoot-to-kill orders.