After the U.S.-Israeli strike killed Khamenei, Tehran erupted not in fear but in celebration: fireworks, dancing, headscarves torn off, and chants of “I love Trump.” Polls reveal massive rejection—70% oppose the Islamic Republic’s existence, 89% want democracy, support for the Supreme Leader below 11%, and 92% dissatisfied with the regime. Recent protests met brutal crackdowns (thousands killed), internet blackout, and a legitimacy collapse. This mirrors the CCP: ideological rule, parallel armies, economic woes, youth despair, and truth-blocking. Iran’s clerical regime lost ideological and performance legitimacy; China’s relies on economic gains now eroding fast. Reza Pahlavi positions for transition, but power struggles loom among Guard remnants, the regular army, and scattered street forces. Iran’s fall warns Beijing: performance legitimacy expires, and when a regime becomes the people’s enemy, external blows can spark joy, not resistance. Xi should watch closely—dictators rarely are the exception.
Source: When Your Own People Cheer the Bombs: Iran’s Lesson for Xi Jinping | Digging into China
