Iranian women are leading a bold wave of protests by lighting cigarettes with images of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei while defiantly appearing without headscarves. This act of rebellion is occurring during the most significant nationwide uprising in Iran since the 1979 Revolution, as women challenge the hardline regime amid stringent laws and social taboos.
Videos of these women, who risk severe punishment for their actions, have gone viral, garnering international attention and support. Many of these clips depict women igniting cigarettes from burning portraits of the Supreme Leader, a powerful symbol of the state’s authority and repression. The protests have reignited following a surge in anti-government sentiment, fueled by economic hardships such as rising food prices and a declining national currency.
One particularly notable video features a young Iranian woman known as “Morticia Addams,” who recorded her act of defiance while living in Toronto. At just 25 years old, she has previously been detained during protests in Iran, specifically during the unrest in November 2019. Morticia Addams expressed her anguish in a heartfelt message, stating, “Every time I was on the street. This time I couldn’t be. Forgive me, Mother Iran.”
In response to her act, acclaimed author J.K. Rowling shared the video, further amplifying its reach. The European news outlet Nexta TV commented, “This isn’t shock value. It’s a blunt political gesture—open contempt for a regime that has spent decades controlling women’s bodies, clothing, behavior, and lives.”
The protests have inspired Iranians abroad, who have staged symbolic recreations, demonstrating solidarity with those still in Iran. Despite recent internet shutdowns intended to stifle dissent, comments from expatriates reflect a strong response. One user, adopting the name “Iran-Dokht,” humorously remarked, “I don’t smoke, but I really felt like lighting a cigarette, right now.”
Rejection of State Enforced Taboos
The significance of these protests lies not only in the act of burning images of the Supreme Leader, which can incur severe penalties, including capital punishment, but also in the public smoking of women, a behavior that is both prohibited and stigmatized in Iranian society. Additionally, the women’s choice to forgo the compulsory hijab highlights their rejection of the state’s authority over personal freedoms.
These actions are part of a broader movement referred to as the “2025–2026 revolution,” which has emerged from a backdrop of economic crisis and social unrest. This trend represents a more radical evolution of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement ignited in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died after being detained for allegedly violating the hijab law.
As the protests gain momentum, Iranian authorities have reportedly intensified their crackdown. This includes a nationwide internet blackout and has led to the deaths of over 200 protesters. The intensity of the situation suggests a critical juncture for the Iranian populace, as women continue to assert their rights and challenge a regime that has long suppressed personal freedoms.
The actions of these brave women not only highlight the ongoing struggle for rights in Iran but also resonate with a global audience, inspiring conversations around gender equality and social justice. As the situation develops, the world watches closely, recognizing that these acts of defiance may signify a turning point in Iran’s sociopolitical landscape.
