Chants of “Death to Khamenei” were heard during a funeral in Tehran, marking a rare and highly symbolic act of defiance amid days of deadly nationwide protests in Iran, the BBC reported on Monday after verifying video footage from the scene.
According to the BBC, the funeral congregation broke from tradition. Instead of the customary religious chant “There is no God but Allah,” mourners openly protested against Iran’s Supreme Leader, highlighting the growing intensity of public anger.
Meanwhile, the US-based human rights organization HRANA stated that nearly 650 protesters have been killed since demonstrations began in late December, underscoring the scale and severity of the crackdown.
Rising International Tensions
US President Donald Trump warned late Sunday that Washington is considering “very strong options” regarding Iran, escalating international concern over the crisis. In response, Iran’s Foreign Minister said the country is “prepared” for war, while stressing that it does not seek one.
Iran continues to experience a widespread internet shutdown, severely limiting access to information. The BBC and most international media outlets remain unable to report from inside the country, further complicating independent verification of events on the ground.
Iran Summons European Ambassadors
Despite the blackout, British television reported that Iran summoned the ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy to the Foreign Ministry on Monday. These countries are among those that have publicly expressed support for the protests.
Iranian authorities reportedly showed the diplomats footage of street clashes, describing the unrest as violent and beyond peaceful protest. State media quoted officials accusing the United States and Israel of inciting instability, labeling protesters as “vandals.”
According to Iranian state television, the Foreign Ministry warned that any political or media support for the protests is unacceptable and constitutes interference in Iran’s internal affairs.
