Thousands of Iranians flooded the streets of Tehran on Monday, chanting “Kill Trump” and calling for revenge against the United States as the country staged the largest funeral procession yet for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, underscoring the grip of Iran’s clerical establishment despite his death.
The massive procession came as tensions between Tehran and Washington remained high following the US-Israeli attack that killed Khamenei, with mourners directing their anger at President Donald Trump while Iranian leaders vowed that those responsible would one day be held accountable.
As Khamenei’s casket, along with those of four family members, was driven through Tehran on a truck, mourners threw stones at a billboard depicting Trump with a bullet aimed at his head.
“The US killed our father. We won’t let you go!”
Women dressed in black chadors raised red placards bearing the words “KILL TRUMP,” while others carried posters showing Trump, US Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu inside gun crosshairs.
“There will be blood.”
Large crowds also waved Iranian flags and red banners calling on the “avengers of Khamenei,” echoing a centuries-old Shi’ite slogan associated with vengeance for the killing of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson.
Iran’s Mission to the United Nations accused the United States and Israel of planting the seeds of lasting hatred among Iranians following the February 28 attack that killed Khamenei.
“The perpetrators have sown in the heart of the Iranian nation the seeds of hatred and vengeance, which will one day clutch them by the collar.”
The mission also argued that the scale of the funeral reflected continuing public support for Iran’s political system.
“This reality of Iranian society” reflected the “robust” bond between Iranians and the state.
Sunday’s ceremonies saw three of Khamenei’s sons praying beside his coffin, but his successor and son, Mojtaba Khamenei, did not appear publicly. Iranian officials have not commented on his absence, although reports have suggested he was disfigured in the attack that killed his father.
The funeral rites began on Friday, when Khamenei’s body, alongside those of several family members, lay in state before Iranian officials and foreign dignitaries. After Monday’s procession in Tehran, a helicopter transported his coffin to the holy city of Qom for further ceremonies.
Authorities said the body would also be taken to two Shi’ite shrine cities in neighbouring Iraq before returning to Iran for burial at a medieval shrine complex in Mashhad.
The funeral unfolded weeks after Iran and Israel reached a preliminary ceasefire that ended the conflict without removing Iran’s clerical leadership from power. Tehran has claimed victory, saying it strengthened its regional position through its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Trump has also declared success, although key objectives outlined at the start of the conflict including dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities and weakening its leadership remain unresolved.
The US president said peace negotiations with Iran had been delayed because of the funeral ceremonies. “We will either reach a deal with Iran or finish the job.”
Israel also maintained its hardline stance. Defence Minister Israel Katz said Khamenei had been killed because he led efforts aimed at destroying Israel and warned Tehran’s leadership against pursuing similar policies. “Any Iranian leader who will again try to pursue plans to destroy Israel will be killed as well.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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