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Last Updated:March 02, 2026, 12:42 IST
Rita Panahi is an Australian conservative commentator and TV host of Iranian descent, born in the United States. She fled Iran as a child refugee.
Rita Panahi Praises Trump After Khamenei Killed In Operation Epic Fury
Sky News Australia host, Rita Panahi, who fled Iran as a child, delivered a sharp message after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes. Speaking live on air, she said, “After 47 years of Islamist tyranny, the dictator is dead, and Iran is on the verge of being liberated."
She added that she never expected to witness the moment in her lifetime and praised US President Donald Trump for the “courage" to launch the missile strikes, described by officials as “Operation Epic Fury".
The broadcast clip was widely shared on X, gaining more than 100,000 views within hours. The video circulated under the caption “RITA’S TAKE ON STRIKES ON IRAN"
Rita Panahi is an Australian conservative commentator and TV host of Iranian descent, born in 1976 in the United States. She fled Iran as a child refugee in 1984, later settling in Melbourne and entering journalism. She is known for outspoken views on immigration, Islam, “wokeness," and left-wing politics.
Panahi, who says she cannot return to Iran due to fears of persecution, also spoke in Persian during the broadcast, expressing anger toward the late leader. Her co-anchor Rowan Dean noted the deeply personal nature of the moment for her.
🇦🇺 Sky News Australia anchor, Rita Panahi, addressed Iran’s late leader, Ali Khamenei, in Persian:“You son of a b*tch, shame on you, burn in hell!" pic.twitter.com/sNTiGNyhAZ
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) March 1, 2026
What is the situation in Iran now?
In Iran, reactions to the Supreme Leader’s death were divided. Some people mourned while others celebrated the end of a leader who ruled for 36 years. Several news presenters became emotional on air as they confirmed Khamenei had been killed on Saturday.
US President Donald Trump on Saturday night announced Khamenei’s death, calling him “one of the most evil people in history". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that thousands more targets could be struck in the coming days.
First Published:
March 02, 2026, 12:42 IST
News world ‘Dictator Is Dead’: Australian Journalist Rita Panahi, Who Fled Iran, Reacts to Khamenei’s Killing
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