Thousands rally in Tehran against US and Israel, mock Republican election setback

Thousands of Iranians gathered outside the former US Embassy in Tehran on Wednesday, chanting slogans against the United States and Israel, mocking President Donald Trump’s electoral setback and calling for vengeance over the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The demonstration coincided with Iran’s annual commemoration of the 1979 takeover of the US Embassy, which this year took place amid a regional war that began in late February.

The conflict has intensified tensions between Tehran and Washington, while diplomatic efforts to negotiate an end to the confrontation have stalled.

Demonstrators chanted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel,” waved Iranian flags and carried placards condemning Washington and Israel.

Participants also mocked the losses suffered by Trump and his Republican Party in the US midterm elections. Trump had acknowledged that the war against Iran partly contributed to the electoral setback.

One banner portrayed Trump as a bloodstained bulldog held on a leash by a demonic-looking figure resembling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Other demonstrators carried signs demanding vengeance for Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes at the beginning of the regional war.

A large banner displayed the words “The Iranian people shall determine the price,” alongside an illustration of black oil barrels spread across a world map.

The imagery appeared to reference the sharp rise in energy prices and volatility in global markets since the outbreak of the conflict, particularly following Iran’s tightening of control over the Strait of Hormuz.

The annual gathering reflected continued public opposition to the United States and Israel among demonstrators in Tehran as the military confrontation and diplomatic deadlock persist.