Iranian Women Defy Regime: Burning Khamenei Photos to Light Cigarettes in Bold Protest

• Iranian women are lighting cigarettes with burning photos of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a powerful symbol of defiance.
• The protests, initially sparked by economic distress, have evolved into a broader revolt against the Islamic Republic and Khamenei's authority.
• This act combines two taboos in Iran: destroying images of Khamenei (a grave criminal offense) and women smoking in public (heavily restricted).
• The current movement echoes the 2022 protests following Mahsa Amini's death, which saw women-led defiance and significant casualties.
• Despite severe threats, including execution warnings, protests continue with women playing a central role, rejecting enforced dress codes.

Why It Matters: Iranian women are fearlessly challenging the regime through symbolic acts of defiance, risking severe penalties.