'We will bring hell upon you': Iran's post-Khamenei power struggle spills into public view

What was expected to be a show of unity at the funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei instead laid bare apparent divisions within the country's leadership, with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi coming under fire from hardline supporters over attempts to reach a peace truce with the United States.

As President Masoud Pezeshkian walked alongside Khamenei's coffin while thousands gathered to pay their respects, sections of the crowd turned their attention towards him instead of the late Supreme Leader, chanting, "Death to the compromiser."

According to CNN, the episode reflected Iran's struggle to balance efforts to secure a peace truce with the United States against accusations from hardliners that the leadership had surrendered to Washington.

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Power struggle emerged after Khamenei's death

The divisions became more visible following the death of Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28. Although his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was named his successor soon after the assassination, he has remained out of public view because of security concerns.

Throughout the week-long funeral ceremonies, criticism directed at Iran's leadership remained evident.

Foreign minister targeted by hardline supporters

Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who was among the key negotiators behind a preliminary agreement with the United States that has since been withdrawn, also came under attack during the funeral.

According to the report, pro-regime supporters threw rocks at Aragchi, forcing him to leave the venue after accusing him of being a “traitorous sellout“.

Criticism aimed at senior Iranian officials reflects a narrative circulating among hardliners for months, particularly since Khamenei's death, alleging that leaders involved in negotiations with Washington are carrying out a “soft coup" against the Islamic Republic while Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains out of public sight because of security threats.

Hardliners demand revenge instead of negotiations

Those gathered at the funeral argued that, rather than avenging the late leader's death, Iran's leadership had surrendered to the US by signing an agreement that they said went against the directives of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Large crowds of pro-regime supporters attended the state funeral ceremonies held in Tehran, Qom, Mashhad and neighbouring Iraq, where they intensified calls for retaliation against the US and President Donald Trump.

During the ceremonies, chants including “Down with the USA" and “Kill Trump" were heard, underscoring opposition to the peace agreement and demands for it to be scrapped, a demand that has now been fulfilled.

Religious singer issues warning to president

Mohammad Ali Bakhshi, a security-linked “Maddah", or religious singer known for his loyalty to the Iranian regime, issued a direct warning to President Pezeshkian.

“Mr President, if the leader’s conditions are not fulfilled, then it will be us, the blade and your throat," he said, adding, “We will bring hell upon you."

According to CNN, although the threat drew criticism, Bakhshi is not known to have faced any consequences.