Millions Mourn Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Chanting 'Death to Trump,' as New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Remains Absent
⚖️ Two accounts of the same story
Each outlet's position is reported as that outlet's position, not as established fact. Every contradiction we've recorded →
The risk level is high due to the immense public display of anti-U.S. sentiment and calls for revenge during the Supreme Leader's funeral, coupled with President Trump's renewed threats of military action. This is compounded by ongoing severe judicial crackdowns, including multiple death sentences for protesters, indicating continued internal repression and external tensions.
📌 Key developments
- Millions of mourners gathered in Tehran for the funeral procession of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on July 6, with crowds chanting 'Death to U.S. President Donald Trump' and 'Death to Israel.'
- New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remained absent from public view during the funeral ceremonies on July 6, reportedly due to security concerns over potential Israeli assassination attempts.
- Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, confirmed death sentences for Mahnaz Chardouli, Mehdi Nazer, and Vahid Khan Sanami, and a 10-year prison sentence for Atefeh Nazer, for their involvement in the January 2026 protests. Additionally, Arghavan Fallahi was sentenced to death for 'baghi' (armed rebellion).
- Technical negotiations between the United States and Iran are expected to resume in Islamabad on July 11, focusing on Iran's nuclear program, sanctions relief, frozen assets, and regional security, with President Trump stating the U.S. will either reach a deal or 'finish the job.'
- Iran and Qatar officially resumed maritime trade on July 5, after a five-month suspension, with Qatar's Al-Ruwais port reopening to Iranian goods, a move expected to facilitate exports and increase bilateral trade.
- A report from the Jerusalem Institute of Justice (JIJ) on July 6, 2026, stated that Iran's missile and drone campaign from late February through early April 2026 systematically targeted civilians as a tactic of war.
💡 Why it matters
For investors, the heightened rhetoric between the U.S. and Iran, coupled with the fragility of upcoming nuclear talks and the ongoing Strait of Hormuz dispute, signals continued market volatility, particularly in oil. Policymakers must navigate a complex landscape of public defiance, internal repression, and diplomatic efforts, with the new Supreme Leader's continued absence adding an element of uncertainty to future decision-making. Journalists should focus on verifying claims from both sides, particularly regarding human rights abuses and the progress of the Islamabad negotiations, while monitoring for any escalation in regional tensions following the funeral.
👀 What to watch
- Any public statements or appearances by Mojtaba Khamenei or other senior Iranian officials regarding the funeral's conclusion or future policy direction.
- Further details or confirmations regarding the agenda and participants for the US-Iran technical negotiations in Islamabad on July 11.
- Reports on the impact of resumed Iran-Qatar maritime trade on regional shipping and economic indicators.