Iranians Demand Retribution Against Trump During Khamenei’s Funeral Procession
Iranian mourners call for retribution against Trump as a large funeral procession for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei winds through Tehran.
On Monday, thousands of Iranians took to the streets of Tehran, chanting “Kill Trump” and demanding revenge against the United States during the largest funeral procession held for the slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This event highlighted the enduring influence of Iran’s clerical establishment, even in the wake of his death.
The large procession occurred amidst escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington following the US-Israeli attack that resulted in Khamenei’s death, with mourners expressing their anger towards President Donald Trump, while Iranian leaders promised that those responsible would eventually face justice.
As Khamenei’s casket, accompanied by those of four family members, was transported through Tehran on a truck, mourners hurled stones at a billboard featuring Trump with a bullet aimed at his head.
“The US took our father’s life.” “We will not allow you to leave!”
Women clad in black chadors held up red placards that read “KILL TRUMP,” while others displayed posters featuring Trump, US Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu within gun crosshairs.
“There will be blood.”
Large crowds also waved Iranian flags and red banners calling on the “avengers of Khamenei,” resonating with a centuries-old Shi’ite slogan linked to vengeance for the killing of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson.
Iran’s Mission to the United Nations has accused the United States and Israel of fostering lasting animosity among Iranians following the February 28 attack that led to Khamenei’s death.
“The wrongdoers have planted in the core of the Iranian nation the seeds of animosity and retribution, which will eventually seize them by the throat.”
The mission also contended that the magnitude of the funeral demonstrated ongoing public backing for Iran’s political system.
“This reality of Iranian society” reflected the strong bond between Iranians and the state.
During Sunday’s ceremonies, three of Khamenei’s sons were seen praying beside his coffin; however, his successor and son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was notably absent from the public eye. Iranian officials have remained silent regarding his absence, despite reports indicating that he was disfigured in the attack that resulted in his father’s death.
The funeral rites commenced on Friday, with Khamenei’s body, along with those of several family members, resting in state before Iranian officials and foreign dignitaries. Following Monday’s procession in Tehran, a helicopter carried his coffin to the holy city of Qom for additional ceremonies.
Authorities announced that the body would be transported to two Shi’ite shrine cities in neighboring Iraq before making its way back to Iran for burial at a medieval shrine complex in Mashhad.
The funeral took place weeks after Iran and Israel established a preliminary ceasefire, bringing an end to the conflict while leaving Iran’s clerical leadership in power. Tehran has declared success, asserting that it has bolstered its regional influence by asserting control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Trump has also proclaimed success, yet essential goals set at the outset of the conflict, such as dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities and undermining its leadership, remain unaddressed.
The US president announced that the funeral ceremonies had delayed the peace negotiations with Iran. “We will either come to an agreement with Iran or complete the task at hand.”
Israel continued to uphold its firm position. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Khamenei had been eliminated due to his role in efforts to annihilate Israel and cautioned Tehran’s leadership against continuing such policies. “Any Iranian leader who attempts to pursue plans to destroy Israel will face lethal consequences.”
