Millions of Iranians poured onto the central thoroughfare of Tehran on the fourth day of mourning for assassinated former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, displaying defiance and calling for revenge. The procession, held in 36°C heat, was as much a display of patriotism as mourning, with banners reading 'We the people are Iran’s true missiles.'
Crowd Expresses Grief and Anger
Vengeful chants against US President Donald Trump filled the air as crowds walked down Azadi Street toward Revolution Square. Many carried placards in English and Farsi, while drums and flags created a festive atmosphere. Families with children and elderly people joined the march, with water sprayed to cool participants.
Fatima Zadeh, a participant, said: 'Of course, Iran has won the war. If Trump dies today, will people attend his funeral? I want the war to restart. We are after revenge.'
Calls for Revenge and Unity
Ali Sayadian, a cleric from Yasuj who traveled 1,000 km to Tehran, stated: 'We want revenge. Someone has come here and killed our leader in his house with his family. It is our right to want to exact revenge.' He added that the procession represented the 'voice of the Iranian nation.'
Maryam Ghiyasi, a doctor, expressed remorse: 'We are ashamed because we did not do enough when he was alive. He was a leader that wanted to make Iran strong.' Her husband, Hamid Razavi, praised Iran's leadership for signing a peace treaty without ceding land.
Divergent Views Within the Crowd
Some attendees voiced support for nuclear weapons. Reza Aziz asked: 'Would Japan have been attacked at Hiroshima if it had nuclear weapons? Why is it OK for Israel to have nuclear weapons and not to sign the NPT?'
Mohammad Mousabvi, a gymnastics coach holding a 'kill Trump' poster, framed the conflict as a clash of civilizations: 'This road is the pathway of Islamic civilisation, and with God’s help it will prevail over neoliberalism. The revenge of our leader is through decimating Israel and America.'
Moftabva Karbvasi, a medical professor from Isfahan, accused the US of building Islamic State to discredit Islam, but said: 'The world is becoming more familiar with our religion. For the first time, America knows it dare not attack us again.'
Security and Atmosphere
The procession was lightly policed, with a mix of emotions ranging from grief to quiet release. One young woman whispered about a continuing revolution before vanishing into the crowd. Others expressed pride in Iran’s identity despite government policies.
