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From the Times of Israel 3-4-26:
‘Bless them:’ Iranians thank Netanyahu, Trump for Khamenei’s end, describe ‘regular’ explosions, in messages shared with ToI
By Nava Freiberg
"Some residents of Iran express gratitude to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump for assassinating Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, while describing uncertainty for what comes next in the ongoing US-Israeli bombing campaign in the country, in testimonies shared with The Times of Israel.
"Four residents provided written and recorded responses to questions from The Times of Israel. The Farsi-language replies have been collected by a London-based Iranian anti-regime activist and forwarded to the outlet. Their accounts cannot be independently verified.
“We kiss the hands of Mr. Trump and Netanyahu. Thank you to them. People really became happy,” says a man in his 40s from Shahrud in northern Iran. On the night of Saturday’s assassination, he says, “when we found out that this bastard had gone to hell, we poured into the streets. From Shahrbani Street to Azadi Square in Shahrud — people were celebrating and dancing.”
"A Tehran resident in his 30s describes similar scenes in the capital: “That same night, when this filthy animal went to hell, that’s when people poured into the streets… everyone had come out. It was dancing, celebration and cheering. Thanks to Mr. Trump and Netanyahu. Bless them. Good for them.”
"Residents also describe frequently hearing explosions amid the conflict.
"The Shahrud resident describes hearing many explosions, including on an ammunition depot, near where he lives: “It was quite far away… No civilian people were hurt.”
"A resident in northern Tehran says she “regularly” hears explosions, and that “almost everything is shut down” in the city. Many residents “are worried” about the situation and are trying to remain safe, she continues, “but they support it,” she adds, referring to the ongoing campaign. “We hope for victory.”
"Casualty figures from the ongoing campaign remain difficult to verify. Iranian authorities have reported several hundred deaths, without distinguishing between civilians, soldiers and regime personnel. An Israeli Air Force officer has said Israeli strikes in Iran have killed thousands of Iranian soldiers.
"A 23-year-old Tehran resident says: “The worry about war is much less than in the previous one,” referring to Israel’s June aerial assault on Iran, which the US eventually joined. “People are mentally much more prepared,” he continues.
“I want to say that the place of every person who was killed feels very empty today,” he adds, referring to civilians killed under the regime."

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