Many Iranians in Bergen County say they are relieved and optimistic after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the United States-Israeli military attack on the Middle East country on Saturday.

Many see the death as a turning point and are watching closely for what comes next for their homeland, especially with those who have loved ones in Iran.

People like the Eshaghipour family has been celebrating since Saturday morning.

"One of my cousins contacted me. He said they started with excitement in his voice," said Kamdin Eshaghipour, whose family owns Rose Restaurant in Ridgewood. "People in Iran wanted this. They've been waiting for help, especially with the amount of people that were killed within the protests."

Mojgan, Saeid, and their son Kamden said they haven't been able to go back to Iran for many years since they immigrated to America because of the oppressive regime.

"Especially people that speak their mind, they cannot go easily because of the regime," said Eshaghipour. "They are ruthless, and if they find that you go back and you are against them, it's not going to be a good day for you."

However, after learning of Khamenei's death, there is hope for a full regime change.

"Everybody wants to go. Personally, I haven't been there in a long time. To get a chance to go there to visit my grandma, my cousins, my family, my aunts would be wonderful," Eshaghipour said.

The celebrations in Ridgewood continued into Sunday as well.

"We are happy. We are celebrating actually here tonight," said Maddie Moghimi, a customer at Pardis in Ridgewood. "It's good news for us. We just wanted the Islamic Republic to get out of Iran and the people to live their freedom."

President Donald Trump urged Iranian citizens to take control of their government for a second time in a video message shared on Truth Social Sunday afternoon.

"I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment. Be brave be bold, be heroic, and take back your country," he said.