Iranians awoke Sunday for the first time in decades without Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as their supreme leader after he was killed in US-Israeli strikes, a profound shift in the nation’s history.

As Israel continues its attacks on Iran amid Tehran’s vow to avenge Khamenei’s death, people across the capital and beyond are grappling with conflicting feelings.

While the killing of Khamenei — a symbol, for many, of decades of brutal repression and economic mismanagement — prompted pockets of celebration Saturday night, other Iranians are voicing unease about what comes next, the implications of US intervention and anxiety about a widening regional war.

We’re safe for now. There haven’t been many strong explosions in the west of the city, so we are going to try and stay in Tehran for now,” one Tehran resident told CNN on Sunday, adding: “People are happy that Khamenei was killed.”

But that joy is tempered.

“I’m happy he is gone, but I almost don’t believe that it has happened. So many of us are in disbelief, I don’t even think I can celebrate yet,” another person told CNN, underscoring fears that a conflict barely a day old could rapidly further spiral.

In response to the US and Israeli assault, Iran has launched retaliatory attacks against Israeli and US military bases in several countries. Blasts have been reported across the region, from Doha to the beaches of Dubai, with three US soldiers killed, at least nine people dead in Israel and dozens of other casualities.

In northern Tehran’s Tajrish district, one local said streets were “pretty empty” on Sunday.

“Some people are milling about, but no one is out celebrating or protesting really where I am,” they told CNN.

“Last night, people were celebrating near Tajrish. You could hear them, but also you could hear some gunshots. I’m apprehensive about what Khamenei’s death means. I don’t think it’s going to lead to change anytime soon. But I take heart in knowing he is gone,” the person said.