Many Iranians Rejoice In U.S. And Israeli Strikes Against The Ayatollahs' Regime
- 28.02.2026, 23:25
Regime strongmen are being urged to lay down their arms.
Residents of several cities in Iran have reported loud explosions. Videos circulating on social media show people fleeing in panic from the sites of the explosions, with screams and cries heard in the background.
But according to the Persian service BBC, there is a different mood among some of the population at the same time - a kind of relief, and in some places even joy. These are those who believe that the fall of the regime is only possible as a result of military intervention.
In one video, a woman with a distinct note of relief in her voice says that Ayatollah Khamenei's residence has been hit.
In another video, teenagers at a school dance and chant "I love Trump".
Many were expecting a possible US attack. Long lines have lined up outside gas stations since last night, and many people in Tehran have begun leaving the city and heading north to the Caspian Sea to what they believe are safer areas.
Because the country has effectively had an almost complete internet blockade since the strikes began, it is extremely difficult to contact anyone inside Iran. Some people have briefly managed to access the internet using Starlink and private networks, and may be able to do so again.
The BBC has nevertheless managed to contact several Iranians who spoke about the situation in Tehran.
"We have heard a lot of explosions. I live in the center of Tehran," one of them told the BBC Newshour.
Before the internet was cut off, some Iranians posted messages on social media in case they were killed in airstrikes.
One user wrote: "Damn the Islamic dictatorship that started this war. We have already survived three wars."
Another wrote: "Promise that if anything happens to us, you will take care of our children and be very, very kind to them. Tell them that we did everything we could - we went on silent marches, voted, worked multiple jobs, endured great hardship."
According to the BBC Persian Service, many Iranians who lived through the events, which are being called one of the bloodiest crackdowns on civilians in modern history, now welcome regime change - even if it comes as a result of military intervention and the deaths of senior officials.
At the time of the protests more than a month ago in which thousands of people were killed, U.S. President