A video from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) has drawn attention by explicitly claiming that President Donald Trump is the target of the chant “Death to America.” The video argues that this phrase specifically implies “Death to Trump,” contradicting earlier statements from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who asserted that the slogan does not refer to U.S. policy.
Recently translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) and made public on Tuesday, the IRGC video signals a notable escalation in Iran’s rhetoric directed at the Trump administration. Araghchi dismissed the administration’s violent implications during a Monday interview with Fox News.
In a video shared on the IRGC’s Telegram channel, the speaker provides a detailed account of grievances against America and questions the meaning behind “Death to America.” This includes references to historical injustices against Indigenous peoples and the brutal treatment of Black Americans. The speaker states, “Death to America” symbolizes the desire for retribution against those responsible for horrific acts, like the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The monologue further articulates anti-American sentiment, claiming that the chant conveys hatred toward those who perpetuated violence during the Vietnam War, among other historical events. After listing what the IRGC describes as numerous U.S. wrongdoings throughout history, the video clarifies that “Death to America” implies a direct threat to the U.S. president, cabinet members, and senators, specifically naming Trump as the target.
Following the IRGC video release, Araghchi appeared on Fox News, suggesting that while he might express similar sentiments, they do not reflect official policy. He emphasized that Iran’s stance does not include plans to harm foreign leaders, including Trump.
However, the IRGC’s message directly counters these diplomatic claims, openly stating harmful intentions toward Trump by name. Araghchi’s comments appear to present a stark contradiction to the threatening narrative pushed by the military faction.
The tensions surrounding these declarations are heightened by a recent military strike from Trump against Iran’s nuclear facilities. This has led some Iranian clerics to call for his execution, framing Trump as an enemy of God.
Designated a terrorist organization by the United States, the IRGC has previously released propaganda aimed at American officials.
Earlier this year, Trump addressed the escalating threats, telling reporters that he had given instructions to eliminate any Iranian threats targeting him. The ongoing campaign of state-sponsored intimidation and assassination plans against U.S. officials stresses rising concerns in Washington about how to address Iran’s increasing hostilities.
