Iranian Expat Celebrates Khamenei’s Death Amid U.S.-Israel Strikes

In a significant development, Iranian expatriate Manou Kia expressed his relief and optimism following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during recent airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel. Kia, who owns a cafe in New Plymouth, New Zealand, stated he felt “so happy” and anticipates that this event will lead to a new chapter for Iran, potentially ending what he describes as “47 years of killing our people.”

The confirmation of Khamenei’s death came shortly after the commencement of the bombing campaign late on Saturday, October 7, 2023, New Zealand time. This military action followed weeks of heightened U.S. military presence in the region. In response, Iranian officials declared several days of mourning, yet videos circulating online showed numerous Iranians taking to the streets to celebrate the leader’s demise.

Expatriate Perspectives and Community Reactions

Manou Kia has lived in New Zealand since 2004 and moved to New Plymouth in 2020. He recently revealed that he has a sister in Iran, who he last contacted three weeks ago. Unfortunately, she has limited access to communication tools, facing challenges such as power outages and government restrictions on internet access. Kia noted that attempts to connect with satellite internet services like Starlink could result in severe consequences from the regime.

Kia firmly believes that the collapse of the Iranian government would pave the way for peace across the Middle East, as he contends that terrorist organizations would lose their financial support. “The whole world will see peace. No more money coming to support terrorism. People will stay in their own country,” he stated emphatically.

Born in 1975, Kia was only four years old during the Iranian Revolution. Coming from a family that supported the monarchy, he vividly recalls the violence they faced, including rocks thrown at their home. He remarked, “If I was in Iran, I would probably be dead.” To mark Khamenei’s death, Kia celebrated by offering free fish and chips at his restaurant on Sunday, October 8, 2023.

The promotional poster for the event featured AI-generated images of people waving Iranian flags and dancing, and it encouraged attendees to join in the “Free Iran Celebration” by enjoying complimentary meals and festivities from 5 PM to 8 PM. In a video shared on social media, Kia expressed his belief that within four years, Iran could transform into a region akin to “the new Europe,” a statement that was met with cheers from the audience at his cafe.

Global Reactions and Travel Concerns

Kia’s outspoken views against the Iranian authorities are well-documented. Earlier this year, he closed his cafe for two weekends to participate in protests in Auckland, denouncing what he described as “mass murder by the Mullah Islamic regime in Iran.” On January 1, he expressed hope for the New Year, praying for Iran to liberate itself from oppression and for the return of “King Reza Shah,” the son of the last Shah of Iran.

The airstrikes are part of “Operation Epic Fury,” initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at “eliminating imminent threats” posed by Iran. The situation escalated as Iran retaliated with missile strikes targeting Israel and U.S. military installations in the region, resulting in the deaths of at least three American soldiers. Iran also restricted travel through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route, raising concerns over global oil prices.

In a separate incident, Iranian forces struck Dubai, igniting a fire at a five-star resort, threatening the iconic Burj Khalifa, and leading to casualties at the capital’s airport in Abu Dhabi.

Local businesses are already feeling the impact of the ongoing conflict. Tracey Edgecombe, owner of House of Travel in New Plymouth, reported that they are currently assisting clients whose travel plans may be affected by the unfolding situation. “We are providing guidance as the situation evolves, staying in close contact with our airline and supplier partners,” she explained. Edgecombe advised travelers to reach out to their travel consultants or airlines if they are scheduled to travel to affected areas within the next seven to ten days and to refer to official recommendations from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

As this complex situation continues to develop, the future of Iran and its regional implications remain uncertain, with many individuals like Kia holding onto hope for a brighter tomorrow.