Iranians in Australia celebrate after Khamenei killed

Iranian state media confirmed on Sunday (AEDT) that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his daughter, son-in-law, grandchild and daughters-in-law were killed in joint US-Israeli strikes.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Australia has listed as a state sponsor of terror, has vowed an imminent “devastating offensive”.

In Canberra, scores of Mr Khamenei’s opponents rallied outside the Iranian embassy waving the pre-revolution Lion and Sun flag alongside Australian, US and Israeli flags.

They later gathered in the city’s centre where many sang and danced in acts of cultural defiance.

“This huge uprising made it very clear that the people want no more dictatorship – no Supreme Leader, no Shah – they want a secular democratic republic,” organisers said.

Similar demonstrations took place in other cities, including Sydney and Melbourne.

Australian Iranian Community Alliance vice president Suren Edgar said Mr Khemenei’s death would give “a sense of relief” to millions.

“The confirmed death of Ali Khamenei marks the end of an era defined by repression, executions, censorship, and systemic violence against the Iranian people,” he told NewsWire.

“For millions of Iranians, this moment brings a sense of relief.

“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.”

Mr Khamenei was Iran’s supreme leader for 36 years.

During his rule he imposed harsh restrictions on civilians, crushed dissent with brutal force and relentlessly pursued nuclear weapons despite crippling economic sanctions.

His foreign policy saw the IRGC prop up Islamist proxies across the Middle East, including in Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.

The Albanese government has also named the IRGC responsible for carrying out anti-Semitic attacks in Australia’s biggest cities.

Speaking to media on Sunday, Anthony Albanese said no one would mourn Mr Khamenei.

“Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against what is an oppressive regime,” the Prime Minister said.

“Ayatollah Khamenei was responsible for the regime’s ballistic missile and nuclear program, support for armed proxies and its brutal acts of violence and intimidation against its own people.

“This claimed countless lives in Iran, but also internationally.

“He is responsible for orchestrating attacks on Australian soil. His passing will not be mourned.”