"Death to America": Tens of thousands at rallies but in Tehran after the Sulmanian assassination

Throughout Tehran, many civilians left after Friday prayers in mosques for rallies and improvised demonstrations following the assassination of a Quds Force commander. Participants read derogatory calls against the United States and President Trump. A special rally was held in the city where Suleimani grew up

"Death to America": Tens of thousands at rallies but in Tehran after the Sulmanian assassination

Tens of thousands of people went to Tehran plazas today for rallies, following the assassination of Quds Qasim Suleimani in Iraq by the United States. During the rallies, which took place immediately after Friday prayers at the mosques in the city, the participants carried signs with the images of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as Sulmani himself, along with "Death to America" ​​posters.

Reportedly, children, women and seniors attended the rally despite the much-needed pressure. Also, participants read derogatory calls against U.S. President Donald Trump. "The axis of evil is America, the essence of religion and the Koran is death to America," they said. "Condolences to the leader of our revolution."

Widespread Iranian response or attempt at compromise: the implications of the Suleimani liquidation

"Death to America." Mourning rally in Tehran (Photo: Reuters)

Protests in Tehran following the assassination of Qassem Suleimani - January 3, 2019 (Photo: Reuters)

State News Agency reported similar demonstrations were held in other major cities in the country, including Arak, Bujanord, Hamdan, Hormozegen, Snendj, Samanan, Shiraz and Yazd. A special but prominent rally also took place in the city of Karman, in central Iran, where Tens of thousands are reportedly in attendance.

The mourning rally in the city of Carman where Suleimani grew up

Khamenei's supreme leader said in response to the Suleimani assassination in Baghdad that revenge awaits "criminals" who killed him and that he is "in heaven." He added that the action strengthened the motivation for opposition to the United States and Israel, declaring three mourning days. Iranian News Agency Fars reports that Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei this morning, just hours after Suleimani's assassination, appointed his deputy, Ismail Kahani, to the position of al-Quds Force commander of the Revolutionary Guards.

"Iran will be more resolute in its opposition to the United States," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in response to the Sulimani assassination, state Iranian TV reported. "Suleimani's holy spirit will make Iran more resolute to oppose America's expansion, and to protect our Islamic values." He added that "Iran and other countries seeking freedom in the region will undoubtedly take revenge."

Tens of thousands in demonstrations in Tehran today (Photo: Reuters)

Protests in Tehran following the assassination of Qassem Suleimani - January 3, 2019 (Photo: Reuters)

In addition, Iranian Foreign Minister Muhammad Jawad Zarif has threatened that Suleimani's assassination will lead to a stupid and dangerous escalation. In a tweet on Twitter, Zarif added that the United States would be responsible for the results of its "rogue adventures". Iran's defense minister Mohammad Khatami also threatened Tehran's strong response to the assassination. In addition, the Foreign Office has summoned a Swiss diplomat, who represents American interests according to Tehran, to protest the liquidation. Former Revolutionary Guards commander Mohsen Rezai tweeted that he was vowing vengeance in the United States for Suleimani's assassination. A spokesman for the Iranian government said the reaction was not far off.

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Tehran, today (Photo: Reuters)

Protests in Tehran following the assassination of Qassem Suleimani - January 3, 2019 (Photo: Reuters)

Tehran, today (Photo: Reuters)

Protests in Tehran following the assassination of Qassem Suleimani - January 3, 2019 (Photo: Reuters)