BURST
Vancouver police were preparing for protests Saturday after the United States and Israel launched a strike against Iran but as reports broke about the leader’s death many Iran supporters began celebrating.
At David Lam Park in Vancouver, Iranian-Canadians and supporters screamed and whistled in the streets, raising Iranian flags out of their cars, high in their hands.
Strangers hugged each other while others wrapped themselves in the flag. Some chanted “we just killed the supreme leader of Iran” while jumping up and down.
Israeli authorities told The Associated Press Saturday that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — the second leader of the Islamic Republic — had been assassinated but no word yet from Iran.
The Vancouver Police Department said on Facebook that it is closely monitoring the situation in Iran.
“We are liaising with our policing partners, and additional officers have been deployed to manage pre-planned protests. We will adjust our deployment appropriately as the situation unfolds,” the VPD said.
Abbas Qaidari, a Prince George resident and former senior fellow of the Center for Strategic Studies in Tehran, said the moment carries profound significance for millions of Iranians who have long hoped for a different future, one grounded in accountability, dignity, and normal engagement with the world.
“The collapse of a leadership structure built around coercion and confrontation creates space for recalibration,” Qaidari told Postmedia Saturday following the news about the leader.
“A transition toward a more responsible and non-ideologically driven Iran would not only benefit its own citizens, but also contribute meaningfully to regional stability and international peace.”
Qaidari said the coming days and weeks will be decisive. He hopes for a swift and structured political transition in Tehran, supported by the international community that will create long-term stability.
A photo from a New York Times reporter posted a photo of the leader’s destroyed compound on social media.
We obtained the first known satellite image of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound in Tehran. There are several destroyed buildings. While the current whereabouts of Iran's supreme leader are unknown, the compound is generally used as his official residence. 🛰️📸: @Airbus pic.twitter.com/48krjclMBL
— Christiaan Triebert (@trbrtc) February 28, 2026
Mark Carney said on Saturday that Canada supports the attempt to stop Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon and urged Canadians in the country to shelter in place.
“Canada supports the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security, and the Canadian government urges the protection of all civilians in this conflict,” said Carney, before a scheduled speech on Saturday in Mumbai, India.
More to come …
With files from the National Post