A large billboard in Tehran depicting former US President Donald Trump dead in a coffin with the words 'we will kill Trump' has been unveiled, further escalating tensions between the two nations. The installation appeared in Islamic Revolution Square, central Tehran, days after the massive funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, where attendees chanted slogans calling for Trump's death.
Billboard imagery and context
The billboard shows Trump with his hair sticking up wildly and hands crossed over his large belly, lying in a coffin. The phrase 'we kill Trump' is prominently displayed. This comes amid heightened rhetoric following Khamenei's funeral, where crowds openly called for violence against the US president.
Trump's recent comments on threat
Last week, Trump hinted at the possibility of being killed by Iran, telling reporters: 'Now they have another set of leaders. They may be gone. Who knows? And you know what? I may be gone too, because I'm their number one target. It's out all over the place. I'm their number one because they're scum. That's the way they act, and that's the way they've done it for 47 years.'
US military actions and Strait of Hormuz
In recent days, the US launched new strikes and told Tehran to 'behave' after Iran began striking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. As talks stalled over disagreements about the vital waterway, in which multiple cargo ships have been attacked by Iran this week, Trump reimposed a blockade on the Strait. Iran has also continued carrying out missile and drone strikes against US allies in the Middle East, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.
Trump's warning of further strikes
Trump warned that more US strikes would cripple Iran, targeting bridges and power plants unless the country backs down. The escalating conflict has raised concerns about a broader war in the region.
