Several U.S. citizens traveled to Iran this week for the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes earlier this year. They participated in events organized by Iranian officials and shared messages on social media.
Jackson Hinkle, a co-founder of the American Communist Party, arrived in Tehran on July 5. He posted videos of crowds burning flags and led chants against Zionists while meeting Iranian officials including Fatemeh Mohajerani.
Max Blumenthal joined drummers in Tajrish Square on July 6. He described the ritual as evoking the Battle of Karbala and interviewed officials and mourners during the ceremonies.
Christopher Helali, high bailiff of Orange County, Vermont, posted from Qom on July 7. He posed before a banner reading “Kill Trump” and wrote messages honoring Khamenei.
Calla Walsh, a 21-year-old activist, praised the late leader as a martyr. She called the gathering a referendum on loyalty to the Islamic Revolution.
CNN correspondent Frederik Pleitgen reported from the procession amid chants of “Death to America.” Posters in the crowd showed images of U.S. figures with crosshairs.
