The ongoing protests in Iran have now taken a new, bold and symbolic form. In the videos and pictures that have come out in recent days, it can be seen that Iranian women are burning pictures of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and smoking cigarettes with the same fire. This trend is becoming increasingly viral on social media and it is being seen as an open rebellion against the government. Burning Khamenei’s effigy is considered a serious crime in Iran. At the same time, women’s smoking in public places is also prohibited under social and religious rules. In such a way, this step directly challenges the power and religious order on two levels.
According to experts, this protest is a symbol of the people’s anger against the deepening economic crisis in the country, rising inflation, weakening currency, unemployment and government oppression. The protests, which began in late December 2025, have now become the biggest challenge to the Khamenei regime in years. Despite the suspension of internet and telephone services, the tightening of security forces and firing, people are taking to the streets and shouting slogans. This new symbolic demonstration of women is considered to be a sequel to the ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ movement that started after the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. Back then, women protested by burning their hijabs and cutting their hair, while now this protest is directly targeting the center of power.
Iran’s supreme leader Khamenei has described the protesters as agents of foreign powers. On the other hand, US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning against violence against protesters. According to reports, hundreds of people have died and thousands of arrests have been made so far. Burning a picture of Khamenei and lighting a cigarette has become a symbol of not only protest, but also an open challenge to personal freedom, the hijab law and the entire religious regime, which has attracted global attention.