Iranian Media Calls for 'Blood Revenge' Amid Funeral of Former Supreme Leader, Trump Threatens Iran

Following the funeral procession of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Iranian state-affiliated media and public demonstrations have intensified calls for "blood revenge" against his killers. The funeral events, which began over the weekend and continued into Monday, have been used by the regime as a show of strength and unity, emphasizing that Khamenei's death marks the start of a new phase in their struggle rather than an end.

Iranian newspapers such as Kayhan, a prominent regime mouthpiece, featured front-page headlines demanding harsh retaliation, with slogans like "This flag will not fall" and "Severe revenge awaits the criminals." Similarly, Vatan-e Emrooz highlighted a "red prayer" symbolizing martyrdom and the people's renewed commitment to resistance, while Asr-e Iranian echoed the call for "blood revenge," quoting cleric Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi who warned that perpetrators will not escape just punishment.

During the funeral, a symbolic ritual dubbed the "stoning of the devil" was performed, where mourners threw stones at a photo of U.S. President Donald Trump, equating him with evil. Chants of "Death to America and Israel" and threats against Trump were also reported.

Meanwhile, Trump reiterated his threat against Iran, stating he prefers to make a deal but warned that if necessary, he could dismantle Iran's infrastructure in a single afternoon.

The Iranian regime is leveraging the Shia tradition of "blood revenge" (khonkhahi), rooted in the martyrdom of Imam Hussein in 680 AD, to frame their political and military response as a religious and national duty. The widespread display of red flags during the funeral, symbolizing unavenged blood, reinforces the message that the regime intends to continue its resistance and retaliation efforts.

This series of funeral ceremonies and media messaging aims to project stability and determination within Iran following Khamenei's death, signaling ongoing defiance against perceived enemies.