6 hours ago
Iran's Kayhan newspaper sparked outrage with an editorial calling for Donald Trump's assassination. Iranian officials, including a government spokesperson, condemned the threat as damaging to national interests and credibility.
Iran's Press Supervisory Board issued an official warning to Kayhan.(Photo: Reuters)
UPDATED: Apr 8, 2025 04:10 IST
An influential Iranian newspaper, Kayhan, has sparked global outrage with an editorial widely interpreted as a death threat against US President Donald Trump. The paper, which is known for speaking on behalf of Iran's most conservative political factions and widely regarded as the voice of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, seemed to call for Donald Trump's assassination in its column on Saturday.
It was proposed as retaliation for the 2020 killing of General Qassem Soleimani.
The column, featured in the newspaper’s Dialogue section, described Trump as a figure who "threatens several countries every day" and added that "He’s way out of line! Any day now, in revenge for the blood of Martyr Soleimani, a few bullets are going to be fired into that empty skull of his and he’ll be drinking from the chalice of a cursed death," Fox News quoted.
#Iran regime paper Kayhan threatens to kill @POTUS: "Someone will put bullets in @POTUS head soon because he is a threat for all the world and to revenge the blood of Soleimani... If he attacks Iran, the response will be much harder than after Soleimani's assassination". pic.twitter.com/HPCFnHdtHA— BenSabti (@BeniSabti) April 5, 2025
The piece claimed that Trump’s death would be welcomed by “all righteous people,” singling out “the oppressed of Gaza” and “resistance forces” as among those who would rejoice. Trump ordered a drone strike in January 2020, which killed Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
INTERNAL FALLOUT: GOVERNMENT AND REFORMISTS PUSH BACK
The remarks triggered backlash, both internationally and within Iran. Many labelled it reckless and harmful to Iran's reputation.
Iran's Press Supervisory Board issued an official warning to Kayhan, citing Article 6 of the country's national press law, which prohibits content that threatens national security or undermines government interests.
In response, Iran’s Ministry of Culture released an statement, saying, "The Islamic Republic’s stance is clear: Soleimani's case must be pursued legally. Publishing threats damages the country's standing and gives our enemies ammunition."
KAYHAN DOUBLES DOWN
Despite the criticism, Kayhan continued its rhetoric in Sunday’s edition, accusing domestic critics of giving in to US pressure.
"Before a single shot has been fired, America’s local servants have already started trembling and lashing out at Kayhan," the paper wrote.
Fatemeh Mohajerani, a spokesperson for the Iranian government, issued a strong condemnation. She said the remarks not only conflicted with the principles of the Islamic Republic, but also risked handing "the enemy justification on a silver platter."
"We support justice through legitimate international means, not threats that harm our credibility," Mohajerani posted on social media. "The pen should defend national interests, not endanger them."
Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Apr 8, 2025
