Rita Panahi’s Controversial Remarks on Khamenei’s Death Viral Moment

An explosive moment from Sky News Australia host Rita Panahi has gained immense popularity online following her fierce reaction in Persian to the reports regarding the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in a joint US-Israeli military operation.

Details on the Incident

During a segment on Saturday, Panahi left viewers astonished by switching to her native Persian language to express her sentiments emphatically, stating: “You son of a b—h, shame on you, burn in hell!” The caption displayed on-screen read: “RITA’S TAKE ON STRIKES ON IRAN.”

Panahi remarked that this would be the briefest editorial she would ever convey. She expressed, after 47 years under Islamist oppression, the dictator is dead and Iran is nearing liberation.

She also mentioned that she never expected to witness such an event in her lifetime.

Reactions to the Clip

The video clip, which was widely circulated on social media platform X, garnered over 100,000 views within a few hours as users engaged in discussions regarding both the language used and the historical significance of the moment.

Watch the Reaction Live

Viewers can witness Sky News Australia’s anchor delivering the message in Persian: “A message to the late Supreme Leader: You son of a b*tch, burn in Hell!”

Context on Khamenei’s Death

Khamenei, who had been at the helm of the Islamic Republic since 1989, was allegedly killed late Saturday during what officials described as a large-scale US-Israeli operation targeting his fortified residence in central Tehran. Both Iranian state media and Western sources confirmed that the operation, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” by US officials, included strategically coordinated air and missile strikes based on real-time intelligence gathered about a rare leadership meeting.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump both verified the destruction of the compound and the news of Khamenei’s demise. Reports indicated that around 40 high-ranking Iranian officials were also casualties of the offensive.

Panahi’s Praise for Trump’s Actions

According to The New York Post, Panahi lauded Trump for his bravery in taking what she characterised as a “risk” by approving the military strike.

Background on Rita Panahi

A well-known conservative commentator and host of “The Rita Panahi Show,” she has regularly voiced her opposition to the Iranian regime, often reflecting on her childhood in Iran before her family’s emigration to Australia as refugees in 1984.

Having been born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Iranian parents, Panahi spent her formative years in Tehran before relocating to Melbourne.

Significance of the Moment

Saturday’s emotional outburst represented one of her most personal condemnations of the regime’s leadership. Seated between two male panelists on the Sky News set, under the network’s motto “REAL NEWS, HONEST VIEWS,” Panahi shared her thoughts, creating a significant stir concerning the recent events in Tehran.

It remains uncertain if the segment was broadcast live or prerecorded, as Sky News Australia has yet to provide a public statement regarding the viral clip.