Iranian-Australian broadcaster Rita Panahi reacted strongly on air after Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reported killed in US-Israeli strikes, saying, “All I have to say is that after 47 years of Islamist tyranny, the dictator is dead, and Iran is on the verge of being liberated.” Speaking live on Sky News Australia, Panahi added, “Never thought I would see this day in my lifetime,” and praised US President Donald Trump for his “courage” in launching the missile strikes, described by officials as “Operation Epic Fury”.In remarks delivered in Persian, Panahi said, roughly translated, “Your father is a d*g, dirt be on your head and burn in hell.”
Her co-anchor Rowan Dean noted the personal nature of the moment for Panahi, who has previously said she cannot return to Iran due to fear of persecution.The clip, widely shared on X, has drawn more than 100,000 views within hours.In a subsequent column, Panahi wrote that “after 47 years of brutal Islamist rule, Iran is on the brink of liberation” and said “Operation Epic Fury could see 92 million Iranians freed of the shackles of a backward and brutal regime.” Referring to her on-air comments, she stated: “And, so after careful reflection I’d like to take this opportunity to say that I meant every single word.”Khamenei, who had ruled Iran for 36 years, was confirmed dead on Sunday. In Iran, state media presenters were seen visibly emotional while announcing his death, even as reports indicated that some people mourned and others celebrated.US President Trump announced Khamenei’s death, calling him “one of the most evil people in History.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said thousands more targets would be struck in the coming days.Russia has condemned the strikes, with President Vladimir Putin saying: “Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the murder of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, committed in a cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law.”The developments have triggered sharp reactions globally, underscoring the deep divisions over the US-Israeli military action and its potential implications for Iran and the wider region.