Arash Sohrabi - Iran International -- Iran’s leaders are using demands for vengeance over Ali Khamenei’s death to enforce loyalty, silence dissent and unite the regime behind his successor.
Iranian officials are calling for national unity following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, but the message emerging from Tehran is centered less on solving the country’s crises and more on revenge against the United States and Israel.
The IRGC declared that “blood vengeance” for Khamenei and others killed was a certain and unforgettable demand. During the week-long funeral ceremonies, loyalists carried banners threatening President Donald Trump, while crowds repeatedly chanted for revenge.
The demand for unity has also become a weapon in Iran’s internal political struggle. Hardliners attacked officials associated with negotiations with Washington, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.