Iranian Women Ignite Cigarettes with Khamenei's Photos in Bold Protest

• Young Iranian women are protesting strict rules by burning photos of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and lighting cigarettes with them.
• Videos of these acts are going viral on social media platforms like X, Instagram, and Telegram, symbolizing defiance against religious and political dominance.
• This unique protest is a continuation of the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' movement, which began after Mahsa Amini's death in 2022.
• Burning Khamenei's photo is considered treason in Iran, and public smoking by women is a social taboo, making these acts extremely dangerous.
• The protests are fueled by severe economic discontent, including inflation and rising prices, alongside international pressures on Iran.

Why It Matters: Iranian women are using symbolic, dangerous acts to protest government repression and economic hardship.