A large, custom-made banner depicting a caricature of former President Donald Trump under a blood-red 'bullseye' scope has been prominently displayed in Tehran's Tajrish Square, according to exclusive images and videos obtained by the Daily Mail. The installation, which appeared late last week, also features the English phrase 'Never will be blood' in crimson capital letters.
This public display has reportedly generated significant concern among local residents, who describe it as a frightening escalation beyond the regime's typical rhetoric. In messages shared with the Daily Mail, Iranians noted that such direct, publicly visible graphical threats against a president are unusual, even for a regime known for anti-American slogans. Residents also commented on the disruption to daily life caused by such displays.
The precise meaning of the phrase 'Never will be blood' is subject to interpretation, with observers debating whether it signifies a vow of revenge for Iranian lives lost or a declaration of fearlessness regarding conflict. However, locals reportedly agree that the hostile intent is clear, particularly given the targeting scope's placement.
Additional 'Kill Trump' signs, written in both English and Farsi, have also been observed across the capital. These appear amid ongoing tensions and the war in Iran.
This display follows a previous AI-generated propaganda video released by Iran's IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency that targeted First Lady Melania Trump and her son Barron. That video highlighted luxury shopping locations frequented by Melania Trump and detailed Secret Service security preparations, while appearing to incite violence.
The propaganda campaign has included altered images of Melania, Barron, and Ivanka Trump with their eyes edited shut and labeled as 'killed,' which the report states is part of the regime's ongoing threats, including previously charged assassination plots against the Trump family.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and his designated successor, has not been seen publicly for months. Following the alleged assassination of his father, Mojtaba was reportedly fast-tracked as the country's third Supreme Leader. However, persistent rumors suggest he may have been severely injured or disfigured in the event that killed his family. If Mojtaba is deceased, Iran would be legally run by a three-man council, potentially leading to a crisis of legitimacy and an election for a new Supreme Leader.
Separately, former President Trump has indicated that the United States is adopting a more restrained approach in its dealings with Iran, shifting focus from direct military action to economic containment and naval pressure. Trump stated that Iran is experiencing financial difficulties, including struggles to pay its armed forces, exacerbated by a U.S. naval blockade.
Diplomatic efforts to secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz have stalled. An Omani-brokered agreement to restore partial commercial traffic reportedly collapsed after Iran presented a list of demands, including an end to U.S. hostilities, the lifting of the naval blockade, compensation for war damages, and the unconditional release of frozen assets. Direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran are reportedly not currently taking place.