Operation Epic Fury by the US and Israel killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, sparking mixed reactions. An anonymous Tehran resident described soldiers patrolling Shariati Street with machine guns, faces obscured, “intimidating everyone.” Militia men on motorcycles and loudspeakers blaring “Noha” chants dominate streets, yet many celebrate the regime’s weakening. During Nowruz—the peak sales period—shops remain closed, disrupting Iran’s economy. The strike’s timing, avoiding major holidays, exacerbated economic strain as businesses shuttered prematurely. Reza Pahlavi, exiled crown prince, gains traction as preferred successor, though regime loyalists fear internal power struggles. Despite curfews and internet blackouts, citizens gather openly, women discarding hijabs, while older generations recall 1980s war trauma. Economic sanctions deepen as global markets watch Iran’s instability. Analysts link the chaos to potential regime collapse, impacting oil exports and foreign investments. The Post’s Natasha Pearlman reported civilians dancing amid strikes, underscoring defiance.

The strikes, codenamed Operation Epic Fury, targeted Khamenei’s inner circle, leaving a power vacuum. Checkpoints manned by teenage militia members replaced security forces, yet protesters defy restrictions. A nurse at a Tehran hospital noted staff initially feared civilian casualties but later expressed hope: “We’re free at last.” The blackout forced reliance on Iran International, a satellite network, for updates. As of March 5, only 10% of pre-strike economic activity persists, with small businesses reporting 70% revenue loss. Analysts predict prolonged unrest could accelerate sanctions, affecting global energy prices.

Public support for Pahlavi reflects desire for constitutional monarchy, though doubts linger about his operational readiness. Youth-led groups demand immediate elections, clashing with militia narratives. The regime’s reliance on adolescent enforcers highlights desperation, contrasting with 1979 revolution’s broad-based resistance. Nowruz disruptions compound losses: Tehran’s retail sector, contributing 15% to GDP, faces $12B annual revenue drop. Long-term, sanctions may push Iran toward cryptocurrency or regional trade alliances, reshaping Middle East economic dynamics.

Q: How will Khamenei’s death affect global oil markets?

A: Short-term volatility expected as sanctions disrupt Persian Gulf exports. Long-term, regime instability could diversify energy suppliers, reducing OPEC+ influence. Businesses in Gulf States may accelerate investments in Iraq or Azerbaijan. The strikes’ economic ripple effects underscore how geopolitical shifts recalibrate global supply chains, particularly in energy-dependent sectors.