09.03.2026 17:40
Millions of people across Iran took to the streets to express their loyalty to Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, who has been appointed as the country's new and third religious leader. Historic crowds formed in the capital Tehran and other major cities, as millions swore allegiance to the new religious leader, while chants of "Death to America and Israel" were also shouted.
Millions of people across Iran took to the streets to express their loyalty to Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, who has been appointed as the country's new and third religious leader. A historic crowd is observed in all major cities across the country, especially in the capital Tehran.
HISTORIC CROWD IN ENQILAB SQUARE
Aerial footage shows that Tehran's symbolic center, Enqilab (Revolution) Square, is packed to capacity. Thousands of people gathered around the large fountain in the square, waving Iranian national flags and pledging loyalty to the new leader.
Demonstrators frequently chanted slogans like "Death to America" and "Death to Israel," sending a message of unity against the war environment the country is in.
CITY STRUCK BY ISRAEL IS ALSO ON ITS FEET
Pledges of loyalty were not only made in Tehran. Mass protests continue across the country in Isfahan, Shiraz, Kerman, Ahvaz, Tabriz, Hamedan, and Ardabil.
Especially shortly after Israeli warplanes attacked Isfahan, thousands of people filling Imam Square pledged complete loyalty to the new religious leader.
NEW LEADER'S FIRST MESSAGE IS AWAITED
On the other hand, it is expected that Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei will address the public following this critical role he assumed after his father's assassination.
Observers in Tehran state that these massive rallies are an effort to demonstrate the public's support for the new administration to the world.
ELECTED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF EXPERTS
The Assembly of Experts, consisting of 88 clerics, officially declared 56-year-old Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new leader during a session held on Sunday evening. This appointment came after the assassination of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike on February 28 at Israel's office in Tehran. After the former leader's death, the country was governed by a three-member temporary council until new elections could be held.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran's new leader must be personally involved in the selection process, saying, "The most likely successor in Iran is Mojtaba Khamenei, but this is unacceptable. I do not want an Iranian leader who will continue Khamenei's policies and force the U.S. into war in five years."
DAY 10 OF THE WAR
The appointment decision came at a time when military tensions in the region were at their peak. It has been reported that at least 1,332 people have lost their lives in the attacks initiated by the U.S. and Israel against Iran so far.
According to statements from Iranian authorities, the Iranian army continues missile and drone attacks on areas under Israeli occupation and U.S. assets in the region as retaliation for the attacks.