Iranian Citizens Demonstrate Loyalty to Mojtaba Khamenei
Iranians took to the streets in various cities across the nation despite ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. These mass demonstrations were intended to express loyalty to Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, who has become Iran’s new supreme leader.
The demonstrations, reported by Press TV on Tuesday 10 March 2026, took place in the capital Tehran and other major cities including Shiraz, Kerman, Ahvaz, Tabriz, Hamedan, Ardabil and other urban centres on Monday 9 March local time.
Iranian authorities announced on Sunday 8 March local time that Mojtaba, aged 56, had been selected as the country’s new supreme leader, succeeding his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a combined US-Israeli attack in late February. Mojtaba becomes Iran’s third supreme leader since the Shia nation underwent revolution in 1979.
In Tehran, mass demonstrations were held at Enqelab Square, where attendees waved Iranian national flags and chanted slogans including “Death to America” and “Death to Israel”.
Speaking to Press TV, several attendees stated they had gathered to reaffirm their loyalty and obedience to Iran’s new supreme leader and pledged to provide him with full support.
“We lost our beloved leader whilst he led our caravan against the arrogant powers of the world. The wound runs deep, but now there is reassurance in our new leader, his worthy successor, who will continue this mission,” said one participant in the Tehran demonstration.
Attendees at the demonstrations also supported the Iranian Armed Forces in retaliatory operations against Israel and US military bases in the region, according to Press TV’s reporting.
Press TV reported that the series of US and Israeli attacks on Iran since 28 February have killed at least 1,332 people. Deaths have included not only Iranian leaders and senior officials but also civilians, including 165 schoolchildren who were killed when their school in southern Iran came under attack.
Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes against targets in Israel and Gulf states hosting US military assets, causing the conflict to spread throughout the Middle East.