The state funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Sunday, July 5, 2026, became the stage for a political statement that drew international attention. Before millions of mourners gathered at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque, a poet openly called for the assassination of U.S. President Donald Trump during an official ceremony that was broadcast widely.
According to The Guardian, the call was made by Mohammad Rasouli during an official poetry recital held just before the funeral prayers began. Rasouli used harsh language in referring to Trump, questioned why the U.S. president was still alive, and declared that killing Trump was their responsibility as retaliation for the death of their leader.
The remarks were not merely a spontaneous outburst from the crowd. The poetry recitation was part of the official funeral program that had been prepared and authorized by the Iranian authorities, making it a deliberate statement delivered during a state ceremony rather than an isolated chant from attendees.
Calls for Revenge Echo Throughout the State Ceremony
Most participants reportedly responded to the remarks with enthusiastic applause. Near the site where Khamenei’s coffin was laid in state, a sign reading “Kill Trump” in English was clearly displayed.
In addition, chants of “No compromise, no surrender, only revenge” echoed repeatedly throughout the funeral procession.
The ceremony also drew attention because several senior Iranian military officials attended openly, including Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Ahmad Vahidi. Their public appearance before millions of mourners stood in contrast to the early stages of the war, when senior Iranian officials rarely appeared in public.
Meanwhile, controversial reactions also emerged from the United States. Conservative activist Laura Loomer, who is known for her close ties to Donald Trump, described the funeral on social media as “a target-rich environment.” Conservative commentator Mark Levin also referred to the event as “a missed opportunity.”
Mojtaba Khamenei Absent as Trump Responds
Ali Khamenei was killed alongside several members of his family on February 28, 2026, the first day of airstrikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran. His funeral was held more than four months later due to the ongoing conflict.
Iranian authorities unofficially claimed that more than two million people attended the first day of the funeral ceremonies, which are scheduled to continue for one week.
Nearly all senior Iranian political, military, and judicial officials attended the ceremony. Their presence was viewed as a sign of confidence that the ceasefire with the United States would provide sufficient security for the funeral proceedings.
One notable absence was Mojtaba Khamenei, the late Ali Khamenei’s son, who was appointed as Iran’s Supreme Leader ten days after his father’s death. Mojtaba did not appear at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque, while his three brothers were seen standing beside their father’s coffin. Since assuming office, Mojtaba Khamenei has not made a public appearance or released any audio messages over the past three months.
Donald Trump also responded to images showing mourners crying during the funeral. He said he was surprised by the scenes and remarked that he believed the mourners’ tears were not genuine.***
