An Iranian lawmaker tore up an image of European leaders while leading chants praising Khamenei and condemning his enemies.
In a February 16, 2026 speech in Iran’s parliament broadcast on IRINN TV, Majles member Mojtaba Zarei responded to an incident in which Italian Member of the European Parliament Isabella Tovaglieri tore up a photo of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Addressing lawmakers from the Majles podium, Zarei accused Europe and the European Parliament of seeking to curry favor with President Trump and of insulting what he called the “sacred” image of the Leader. Holding up a photograph of European leaders marked with an X, he led fellow members in chanting a verse from a poem by Ayatollah Nouri Hamedani: “Khamenei is a great blessing, and his enemies are cursed!” He then ripped the image to pieces in a dramatic display on the parliament floor.
The incident reflects escalating rhetorical tensions between Tehran and European institutions, particularly amid ongoing disputes over Iran’s regional policies, nuclear activities, and relations with the US.