Death of a Dictator

For the past 15+ years, we were repeatedly told that dictators will go one day and that it will come as a surprise.

Twenty-four hours ago, I messaged my parents in Tehran and asked how they were doing. Three hours later, they each replied separately and said that they were home and alright, and asked how we were. I kept it short and didn't tell them that a war had just started.

I messaged the Telegram group with my Tehran sister's family and sent a 🫂. Within minutes, my sister responded with a picture of herself and her daughter in the car, waiting in traffic to pump gas and head to a "safe" neighborhood. The fear in her face crushed me. We exchanged a few messages about their progress until the internet in Iran was completely shut off.

Within hours, first Netanyahu and then Trump claimed to have seen a picture of Khamenei's dead body. The NY Times and other media confirmed it soon after.

Seven hours ago, a friend got back online and sent a 🥳. I sent back a picture of myself drinking 🥂 in celebration.

Three hours ago, Iranian television confirmed the death of the Supreme Leader dictator Ali Khamenei. And just like that, the dictator was gone.

And just like the Unexpected Hanging Paradox, it came as a surprise. Congrats to my fellow Iranians and to the citizens of the world. Enjoy your celebrations. We all deserve it.

behdad
28 February 2026
Arraial d’Ajuda, Bahia, Brazil
[CC BY]