British Iranians Celebrate Khamenei's Death, Eye Return to Rebuild Homeland
British Iranians have voiced their elation over the death of Ayatollah Khamenei, describing it as a deserved end to a brutal regime. Expatriates who fled Iran for freedom in the West wept and danced with joy following US and Israeli military strikes that decimated the country's leadership over the weekend. They shared with Metro their aspirations to soon return home and rebuild their nation, expressing confidence that fellow Iranians will take to the streets to oust the Mullahs.
Personal Stories of Hope and Trauma
Nasrin Roshan, a 62-year-old former political prisoner, recounted her traumatic experiences in Iranian jails upon hearing of Khamenei's assassination. She stated, 'My future suddenly became bright. When I was in jail, I thought I was going to die. I saw my own friends being executed in prison.' Roshan, who spent over five years imprisoned since age 18, celebrated the news outside the US embassy in Vauxhall, where she had protested for months. She emphasized, 'We want the war to continue until the government falls,' and expressed her intent to return to Iran immediately if the regime collapses.
Support for Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi
Many British Iranians, including Roshan, advocate for Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to lead a democratic transition. Ahmed Vahdat, 59, who came to the UK around the 1979 revolution, noted that while the current conflict is tragic, Khamenei's removal is welcomed due to his role in widespread suffering. He explained, 'Iran is a very polarised society, but the exiled Crown Prince has massive support.' Vahdat added that a stable transition will likely occur once hostilities cease, with his family in Tehran currently sheltering from continuous bombardments.
Mixed Emotions and Calls for Justice
Sharan Tabari, a former councilor, toasted Khamenei's downfall with champagne, calling the regime an 'enemy from within' that held Iran hostage for 47 years. She expressed disappointment that UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer did not join the strikes but praised US and Israeli actions. Ellie Borhan, 43, founder of the Stage of Freedom group, shared conflicted feelings, stating, 'I wish I could have seen him brought to justice, humiliated and powerless. Yet, I am truly happy that he is gone.' Borhan thanked the US President for the strikes, highlighting that millions in exile await the chance to return home.
Challenges Ahead and Confidence in the People
Bita, 38, who has lived in the UK since childhood, described the situation as 'the beginning of the end,' but warned of potential retaliation by the Islamic Republic. She asserted, 'There is a sense of justice served, but we are not done. More work is needed for freedom.' Bita expressed confidence that while US and Israeli intervention provides support, it will be the Iranian people who ultimately take to the streets to overthrow the government. She believes Crown Prince Pahlavi has a clear plan for post-regime collapse and will mobilize millions when the time is right.
These accounts underscore a collective yearning among British Iranians for a democratic Iran, fueled by decades of oppression and renewed hope after Khamenei's death. As conflicts rage, their eyes remain fixed on a future where they can reclaim and rebuild their homeland.
