Iranian Women Ignite Cigarettes with Khamenei's Burning Pictures, Defying Regime

• Iranian women are burning pictures of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to light cigarettes, a powerful new protest symbol.
• This trend challenges strict social rules and women's rights restrictions in Iran, amidst intensifying anti-government protests.
• Protests, initially over inflation, have escalated to a complete rejection of the Islamic Republic system.
• Slogans like "Death to Khamenei" and calls for the return of Reza Pahlavi are heard in demonstrations across cities including Tehran.
• Burning the Supreme Leader's image and public smoking by women are serious offenses, making these acts a direct challenge to authorities.

Why It Matters: Iranian women are directly challenging the regime with symbolic acts of defiance amidst widespread protests.