Anger at US and Israel courses through vast crowds in Iran

Grief and anger permeated Tehran as tens of thousands of Iranians gathered to mourn the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli strike. Mourners, clad in black, beat their chests and chanted slogans, flocking to see the coffins of Khamenei and relatives who perished with him.

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I feel that I’ve become an orphan, it burns in my heart.

The loss of Khamenei, who had led the country for decades, evoked profound sorrow. Many expressed a sense of personal loss, with one 30-year-old attendee telling CNN, "I feel that I’ve become an orphan, it burns in my heart." The sentiment was coupled with a strong desire for retribution.

"I assure you that we will not let [US President Donald Trump] have a good night’s sleep from now on unless we get revenge for the blood of our leader," declared Abdullah Abipour, 45. Anti-negotiation sentiments were also evident, with slogans like "No negotiation with Satan" and "Curse be upon he who negotiates" scrawled on chalk walls, underscoring a deep distrust of the United States.

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I assure you that we will not let [US President Donald Trump] have a good night’s sleep from now on unless we get revenge for the blood of our leader.

Some mourners viewed Khamenei's death as a pivotal moment, believing his son would continue his path. "A more dangerous chapter has begun for his enemies," one young man commented. While the government anticipates millions to attend commemorations, the immediate outpouring demonstrated a powerful mix of grief, defiance, and a call for revenge.

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With his passing nothing has come to an end. Khamenei’s son will continue his path and philosophy. Even so, “a more dangerous chapter has begun for his enemies.”