In a renewed display of anti-American sentiment, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s parliament once again erupted in chants of “Death to America” during a televised session on Wednesday. The chant, which has been a hallmark of Iran’s revolutionary rhetoric since 1979, reflects the country’s ongoing hostility toward U.S. foreign policy and presence in the Middle East.
The chant, known in Farsi as “Marg bar Āmrikā,” was shouted in unison by lawmakers in the Iranian Majlis (parliament), marking yet another instance in the nearly 46-year-long tradition of symbolic defiance against the United States.
Why Is Iran Chanting “Death to America”?
The slogan originated during the 1979 Islamic Revolution and became a centerpiece of anti-Western protest following the U.S. Embassy hostage crisis. Iranian leaders and officials maintain that the chant is directed at U.S. policies, not its citizens. Despite repeated clarifications, the slogan remains a key source of tension in U.S.–Iran relations and is widely condemned in the West.
The timing of today’s chant comes amid increasing international concern over Iran’s nuclear program, its alignment with militant groups in the region, and rising military friction with Israel. As Iran continues to project strength on the global stage, symbolic gestures like these reinforce the regime’s ideological stance against Western interference.
A Message to the West – Or Political Theater?
Experts suggest that these chants serve more as domestic propaganda than actionable threats. However, in the context of global geopolitics, such rhetoric has real consequences. The chant’s recurrence in Iran’s parliament sends a clear message of resistance as international pressure builds over Tehran’s nuclear activities and alleged support for regional proxy forces.
While no specific legislation followed the chant, it reflects the entrenched mindset of Iran’s ruling class — particularly its hardline factions — and reinforces its position against negotiating under pressure.
International Reactions
The video of the parliament’s chant quickly spread across social media platforms, with critics accusing Iran of promoting violence and anti-American extremism. Some commentators also referenced older footage — such as the viral 2018 video of lawmakers burning an American flag on the parliament floor — to argue that Iran remains a long-term threat to U.S. interests in the region.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump recently addressed the Iran-Israel situation, warning that while he doesn’t seek war, the U.S. would act decisively to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“If it’s a choice between fighting and having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do,” Trump said in a recent press conference.
Conclusion
Today’s chant of “Death to America” by Iranian lawmakers may not be new — but in the current geopolitical context, it’s a reminder of the fragile state of U.S.-Iran relations. As tensions in the Middle East rise and global powers react cautiously, symbolic gestures like these risk inflaming already volatile dynamics
