Threatening Slogans Against Trump Emerge During Ali Khamenei’s Funeral in Mashhad
Concurrent with the final ceremonies of the funeral and burial of Ali Khamenei, the former leader of the Islamic Republic in Mashhad, the circulation of images showing a large banner with the English phrase “WE WILL KILL TRUMP” and vengeful slogans against Donald Trump once again drew the attention of international media to the atmosphere of the ceremony. Reports indicate that these slogans and threatening symbols were raised at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States remain at their highest level.
Concurrent with the final stages of the funeral and burial ceremonies of Ali Khamenei in Mashhad, images circulated from the city as well as reports from international media outlets show that threatening slogans against Donald Trump have significantly influenced the atmosphere of the ceremony.
One of the images circulated on social media shows a large cloth banner on the facade of a building in Mashhad bearing the English phrase “WE WILL KILL TRUMP” with its Persian translation “We Will Kill Trump” written below it. To date, no institution or organization has claimed responsibility for installing the banner, but given security restrictions in Iran, the display of such banners in public places is typically not possible without coordination with responsible authorities.
The Reuters news agency also referenced the display of this slogan in its report on Khamenei’s burial ceremony in Mashhad, noting that banners with the message “We Will Kill Trump” were visible among the crowd, emphasizing the continued vengeful rhetoric of the Islamic Republic.
During the funeral ceremonies, images released by Iranian state media show groups of participants chanting “We will kill, we will kill, whoever killed our Imam” — a slogan interpreted by observers as a direct reference to U.S. President Donald Trump. Reuters and a number of European media outlets have also reported that in Tehran’s ceremonies, placards and slogans calling for revenge against Trump and demanding his death were visible.
During one of the speeches at the funeral ceremony in Tehran, the ceremony’s speaker, making reference to Trump, said: “Why should we not kill someone who killed my Imam and leader?” and continued: “If we do not kill his murderer, it would be a disgrace for us.” These statements received widespread coverage in international media outlets.
According to reports from Iranian state media, the aircraft carrying the coffin of Ali Khamenei and some family members arrived at Mashhad airport on Thursday, July 18 (July 9). Officials organizing the ceremony announced that the transfer of the coffins was delayed due to funeral programs in Iraq, and the burial ceremony was held at the Imam Reza Shrine in the afternoon.
Khamenei’s burial ceremony concluded while military clashes between Iran and the United States have entered a new phase, with both sides launching fresh attacks against each other — a development that has resulted in the vengeful slogans raised during the ceremony receiving widespread coverage in international media.
