From the Liveblog of
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Iranians gather to cheer on attack against Israel, wait for gas
Iranians are taking to the streets to celebrate the attack on Israel, even as others wait in long lines for gas ahead of what is expected to be a harsh Israeli response to the barrage.
“Death to Israel!” and “Death to America!” demonstrators chant in Tehran’s Palestine Square, after gathering shortly after the Revolutionary Guards announced the launch of Operation Honest Promise.
A mural saying “the next slap is fiercer” has been unveiled in the square where a huge banner has hung for days calling, in Hebrew, for Israelis to “take shelter.”
Demonstrators wave Iranian and Palestinian national flags alongside banners reading “God’s victory is near.”
A large crowd of demonstrators is also gathered outside the British embassy in Tehran.
Supporters of the retaliatory attack also demonstrate in Iran’s third largest city Isfahan, where Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, one of the generals killed in the Damascus strike, is buried.
Demonstrators also gather near the grave in the southern city of Kerman of prominent Guards commander Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a 2020 US drone strike in Baghdad.
Anticipation of conflict with Israel had gripped Iran ever since the April 1 strike on its consulate.
In Iran’s capital, Tehran, witnesses saw long lines at gas stations early Sunday as people appeared worried about what may come next.
????????????MASSIVE LINES FOR GAS IN IRAN
After Iran has launched "hundreds" of drones and missiles toward Israel – Iranians have reportedly rushed to the pumps.pic.twitter.com/0ReDIFBNdX
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 13, 2024
