The chants followed Iran’s launch of nearly 200 missiles targeting civilian and military infrastructure in Israel, in retaliation for the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike on Saturday.
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated as Iranian politicians were seen chanting "Death to America" in a chilling display during a session of the Islamic Consultative Assembly on Wednesday morning.
The chants followed Iran’s launch of nearly 200 missiles targeting civilian and military infrastructure in Israel, in retaliation for the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike on Saturday.
The synchronised chants, accompanied by fist-pumping, were witnessed after members of the parliament recited verses from the Quran.
The event comes amidst growing hostilities, with Iran’s close ties to Hezbollah placing it in direct conflict with Israel.
The airstrike that killed Nasrallah, a long-standing ally of Tehran, occurred in Beirut, sparking immediate vows of retribution from Hezbollah.
The subsequent missile attacks from Iran mark one of the most severe escalations in recent years, raising concerns over the stability of the region and the potential for broader international involvement.
According to Mail Online, tensions between Iran and the U.S., which have historically been high, have escalated significantly over the past year and reached a critical point in recent days.
On Wednesday morning, Iranian lawmakers were seen raising their fists and chanting "Death to America" in unison.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin condemned Iran's recent actions as an "outrageous act of aggression," while National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan warned of "severe consequences.
"When asked about the U.S. response, President Joe Biden said it was "under active discussion" but confirmed that the U.S. had aided Israel in intercepting a major missile attack from Iran the previous night, launching 12 interceptors in support. He reiterated that the U.S. is "fully supportive" of Israel.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards stated that the missile strike was retaliation for Israel's killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last week, as well as the July death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in a bombing in Tehran, which is widely attributed to Israel.
The strike also aimed to avenge the death of Iranian Quds Force commander Abbas Nilforoushan, who was killed alongside Nasrallah.
Revolutionary Guards commander Major General Mohammad Bagheri warned that more intense attacks would follow if Israel carried out its promise of retaliation.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended the strike, calling it a "legitimate and decisive response" to what he described as Israeli aggression.
Though Israel intercepted the majority of the missiles, reports indicate two people were injured by shrapnel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation, stating, "Iran made a big mistake tonight and will pay for it”.