Trump threatens Iran after chants for his death erupted at Khamenei funeral

Tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated sharply after crowds at a major state funeral in Iran reportedly broke into chants calling for the death of US President Donald Trump. In response, Trump issued a series of public threats warning of overwhelming military retaliation, even as diplomatic contacts between the two sides continued through intermediaries.

What triggered the flare-up

The funeral was held for a senior figure in Iran's leadership who Iranian officials say was killed in strikes on the country earlier in the year. Enormous crowds turned out for the processions. During the event, sections of the mourners chanted slogans directed against the US president, footage of which circulated widely.

Trump reacted on social media and in public remarks, claiming that a large number of missiles were ready to strike and threatening to devastate wide areas of Iran. US officials also said Israeli intelligence had warned of a specific plot against the president, adding to the charged atmosphere.

Diplomacy continuing in the background

Despite the hostile rhetoric, back-channel talks did not stop. Iran's foreign minister met his Omani counterpart in Muscat, with discussions reportedly centred on ensuring safe passage for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Qatari mediators were also said to have travelled to Tehran, while several senior US figures were expected to take part in negotiations.

Iranian leaders struck a defiant tone in public, vowing to avenge those killed and insisting the country would not surrender or back down from what officials described as a readiness to defend themselves fully.

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important routes for oil shipments, and any sustained conflict there would ripple through global energy markets and reach households far from the region, including in India. The episode underlines how quickly public anger and hard-line statements can raise the risk of miscalculation, even while quiet diplomacy tries to hold open a path away from wider war.