TEHRAN — Thousands of Iranian demonstrators gathered in central Tehran on Wednesday to burn effigies of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a memorial rally for naval personnel killed in a recent maritime incident. The protest, organized by state-backed groups, drew participants from across the capital who chanted anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans while setting fire to the symbolic figures.

The demonstration comes amid rising regional tensions following the warship incident, which Iranian officials have blamed on foreign interference. Protesters carried banners denouncing what they termed "Zionist-American aggression" and called for stronger defensive measures against perceived external threats. Security forces maintained a heavy presence but allowed the rally to proceed without intervention.

"This gathering shows the Iranian people's unified response to external pressures," said Dr. Mehdi Hosseini, a political analyst at Tehran University. "The symbolism of burning these effigies represents popular anger over recent events and broader regional policies." The demonstration attracted families of naval victims alongside political activists and student groups from local universities.

The protest reflects Iran's strategy of channeling domestic grievances toward foreign adversaries while building public support for government policies. Regional security expert Sarah Mitchell from the International Crisis Group noted that "Tehran often uses these symbolic acts to project strength domestically while sending messages to Washington and Jerusalem about public sentiment." The rally concluded with speakers calling for enhanced military preparedness and continued resistance to foreign pressure.