Why Iranian Women Are Lighting Cigarettes With Burning Khamenei Photos: The New Symbol Of The 2026 Uprising | VIDEO | World News
As the nationwide uprising in Iran enters its 14th day, a striking new image has emerged that is the definitive symbol of defiant women lighting cigarettes using the charred remains of photos of religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
These images went viral to represent a movement openly challenging the religious system established in 1979, amid a “complete nationwide internet shutdown” and escalating violence that left hundreds dead.
An Iranian girl burns a picture of Ayatollah Khamenei and lights a cigarette, a new trend in Iran!
Young Iranian women are leading the revolution against the Islamic regime.
pic.twitter.com/UIFYHMPBGA—Dr. Maalouf @realMaalouf) January 10, 2026
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Symbolism: Defying Law and Social Taboos
Lighting a cigarette from the burning face of the Supreme Leader is a calculated move that combines two main forms of rebellion:
Political Crime: Under Iranian law, desecrating images of the Supreme Leader is a serious crime punishable by imprisonment or worse.
Social Stigma: It is not illegal, but under religious and social scrutiny in different parts of the country, smoking in public places is not encouraged among women.
Combined Opposition: By combining these actions with the burning of their headscarves in public, Iranian women signal their complete rejection of both state power and the strict social restrictions of which Mahsa Amini fell victim in 2022.
Death toll from ‘Masking Regime Violence’ Rises Amid Power Blackout
Although the government has tried to downplay the extent of the unrest by blocking internet access, there are signs of a humanitarian crisis.
Casualties: A doctor in Tehran told the publication: “Only six hospitals in Iran have documented at least 217 deaths among protesters. Most people were killed by live bullets.”
Pot Hits in Tehran: “Acoustic protests” are being held in the Sa’adat Abad district. Citizens bang pots and pans from windows and shout slogans insulting Ayatollah Khamenei.
NetBlocks: Internet freedom monitoring service NetBlocks said: “Disconnection is covering up regime violence.” Amnesty International explained: “The purpose of the ban is to cover up crimes under international law.”
Global Confrontation: Trump Vs. Khamenei
Domestic unrest has now become a high-risk international flashpoint. On Friday, US President Donald Trump again repeated the threat of possible military intervention, observing: “The people are taking over some cities that no one thought was possible.”
Trump’s Assessment: Praising the courage of the demonstrators, Trump said, “It seems to me that the leadership is in deep trouble.”
Iran’s Reaction: The Iranian leader called protesters “vandals and saboteurs,” while also calling Trump “arrogant” and predicting his imminent overthrow, as was the case with the deposed Shah.
European Intervention: In an unusual joint action, the United Kingdom, France and Germany issued a joint statement on January 9, criticizing the “killing of protesters” and calling for “Iranian authorities to immediately restrain themselves.”
From Inflation to Revolution
It started as a strike at the end of December due to a 40 percent increase in food prices and hyperinflation, but turned into a full-blown political revolution. Demonstrators are no longer just fighting for cheap bread; They are fighting to overthrow the religious regime.
READ ALSO | SOS from Reza Pahlavi to Trump: Exiled Prince Calls for US Intervention Against Iran’s Total Internet Blackout
