'Death to Trump' chants echo at Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral as thousands gather in Tehran
Thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran for the funeral procession of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with anti-US sentiment dominating parts of the ceremony as crowds chanted slogans against US President Donald Trump.
The funeral procession saw Khamenei's flag-draped coffin carried through the streets of the Iranian capital on a decorated truck, alongside the coffins of members of his family who were reportedly killed in an airstrike at the start of the recent conflict involving Israel and the United States.
During the procession, many mourners carried banners and placards calling for the death of President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Some participants also displayed effigies of Trump, while chants of "Death to Trump" echoed through sections of the crowd. The slogans reflected public anger following the conflict that resulted in Khamenei's death.
Iranian state television broadcast aerial images showing massive crowds stretching across Tehran's Azadi Square and adjoining roads. Many mourners attempted to touch the vehicle carrying Khamenei's coffin, a symbolic gesture considered a blessing in Iranian tradition, while volunteers sprayed water to help people cope with the intense summer heat.
Authorities imposed extensive security measures for the funeral, shutting down major roads, restricting airspace and suspending normal public activities. The procession is expected to continue to Mehrabad International Airport before the late leader is buried later this week at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace.
The funeral comes at a sensitive time for Iran, with diplomatic negotiations between Tehran and Washington currently on hold. The two sides are expected to resume talks after the funeral ceremonies, focusing on issues including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear programme and efforts to secure a lasting end to the recent conflict.
While the funeral served as a display of national mourning, it also highlighted the deep hostility toward the United States and Israel among sections of the public. The anti-Trump slogans underscored continuing tensions between Tehran and Washington despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has not appeared publicly during the funeral ceremonies. Reports indicate that security concerns remain high following the conflict that reshaped Iran's leadership and intensified geopolitical tensions across the Middle East.