Iranian hardliners escalate threats against US and Trump
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People walk past a billboard featuring images of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran on July 13.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Lara Jakes
- Iranian hardliners have intensified threats against US President Trump, vowing revenge for the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and escalating tensions after funeral ceremonies.
- Iran’s Revolutionary Guard attacked commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting US air strikes and ending a recent ceasefire.
- Despite harsh rhetoric, experts say calls for Trump’s assassination are not official state policy and may be used to pressure diplomatic efforts for peace.
AI generated
NEW YORK – Chants of “death to America” from Iranian hardliners have been heard for decades, but in recent days, officials and clerics close to the government have escalated the rhetoric with threats against President Donald Trump to avenge the killing of their country’s supreme leader.
The calls may reflect Iranians venting pent up anger after the week-long funeral ceremonies for the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which were followed by a weekend of escalating US strikes on the country, one expert said.
