Massive Protests Erupt in Tehran Following Supreme Leader's Funeral

A significant funeral for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran turned into a platform for calls to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump. The event drew massive crowds, with chants of 'Death to America!' echoing through the streets. President Trump expressed shock at the turnout, questioning the sincerity of the mourners. In a heated exchange, Iran's response to Trump's remarks emphasized the resilience of their ideals despite the loss of their leader. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran amidst a backdrop of escalating conflict.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 5, 2026, 12:29 IST

Intense Demonstrations in Tehran

During a significant funeral event in Tehran for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a performer incited the crowd by calling for the assassination of U.S. President Donald Trump. This event attracted hundreds of thousands of attendees, all mourning the loss of Khamenei, who died at the onset of the US-Israel-Iran conflict. Poet Mohammad Rasouli led the crowd in chants of "Death to America!" and "Death to Israel!" He provocatively questioned, "Why is the most despicable man in the world still alive?" This statement was met with enthusiastic cheers from the audience, especially when he declared that the world is no longer a safe place for Trump, as reported by various sources.

Calls to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump rang out before tens of thousands attending funeral events for Iran’s late supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. “Why should we not kill the man who killed my imam?” a speaker said. “Trump’s assassination is our duty. Never abandon your… pic.twitter.com/vJr4J3xWGZ
— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) July 5, 2026

The funeral for Ayatollah Khamenei, along with several family members who perished in US-Israeli airstrikes, saw a massive turnout across Tehran. The Iranian Health Ministry, as reported by a semi-official news agency, estimated that approximately 15 million people might participate in the mourning events over the next few days. Temporary medical facilities were set up near the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla to accommodate the large crowds. Those being honored included Khamenei, his son-in-law, his eldest daughter, a 14-month-old granddaughter, and the spouse of Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

In response to the overwhelming attendance at Khamenei's funeral, President Trump expressed his surprise, stating, "I was shocked. I thought people hated him." He later remarked, "Maybe it's fake tears," after observing mourners weeping during the ceremonies. Trump also made a controversial comment suggesting that a single shot could eliminate many attendees, but he refrained from taking action, indicating that it would eliminate potential negotiation opportunities. He noted that neither side would engage in military actions during the funeral period.

Iran's response to Trump's comments was swift and strong. The Iranian Embassy in Armenia stated, "People can be killed, but ideals cannot. You killed Ayatollah Khamenei, but in reality, you broke a perfume bottle whose scent spread everywhere." The embassy further criticized Trump, asserting that he lacks understanding due to a deficiency in civilization, history, and honor.