Understanding the Chant: “Mar Agbar America” and Its Global Impact

Origins of Anti-American Sentiment

The phrase, commonly rendered in Persian as “Marg bar Amrika” and translated as “Death to America,” gained widespread use during the Iranian Revolution in 1979. (Tait, 2007) This transliteration closely matches how Iranians voice the slogan. This emphasizes its authenticity and resonance within the country. From the beginning, the phrase carried not only a political message but also a religious one. It was often framed theologically in speeches and public gatherings to cast opposition to American influence as a collective moral obligation. (Death to America, n.d.) Not all Iranians support the slogan or its message. There has always been a range of perspectives in Iran. Many Iranians, inside the country and in the diaspora, reject the phrase and prefer peaceful relations to hostility. The revolution began when Ayatollah Khomeini returned from exile in France. He used tape recordings to reach Iranians who were angry with SAVAK, the secret police, and the Shah’s government. The Shah became leader after a 1950s takeover against Prime Minister Mosaddeq, which stopped Iran from taking control of its oil. (Backhouse & Editors, 2023) Khomeini led a large protest and declared Iran free from both the United States and the Soviet Union. (American Orientalism: The United States and the Middle East Since 1945, 2004) The new Islamic Republic set up rule by religious leaders, called “velayat-e faqih.” (What is velāyat-e faqīh?, 2026)
Soon after taking control, the new government took over the American embassy while Jimmy Carter was president. The hostages were freed only after Ronald Reagan became president. This event started the chant “Death to America” (“Mar Agbar America”). (Death to America, 2024) The slogan spread across the Middle East through several concrete episodes. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, in 1983, suicide bombings targeted American and French military barracks in Beirut. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 241 U.S. service members and 58 French paratroopers. In later years, such as 2015 and beyond, the Houthis in Yemen displayed anti-American slogans at rallies in Sanaa. These slogans appeared on banners and billboards. (Sarkha, 2024) The phrase has also appeared at demonstrations in Iraq and Syria during tense periods with the United States. (Neuman & Arraf, 2018) More recently, it has appeared on American college campuses during conflicts like the Gaza war. (Krasner et al., 2025, pp. 205-248) Today, the slogan is known worldwide as a symbol of anti-American sentiment.

The Meaning and Reach of the Slogan

What does “Mar Agbar America” really mean to those who chant it, and to those who hear it? Is it simply a call for resistance, or does it signal a much broader message against an entire people? These questions have fueled debate since the slogan first spread beyond Iran’s borders.

For many Americans, the slogan seems aimed at everyone, not just leaders or soldiers, ignoring differences in politics, beliefs, background, or religion—even among Muslim Americans. However, Iranian officials have sometimes said that when they chant ‘Marg bar Amrika,’ they target U.S. government policies and policymakers, not ordinary citizens. For example, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei stated in 2015 that the slogan refers to “the American regime, not the American people.” Still, many observers see the message as broadly hostile, including us at the Republican People of Color, as videos show people in many countries stepping on American and Israeli flags while chanting. This highlights the slogan’s spread and symbolic impact as anti-American sentiment. The gap between the intended meaning as described by officials and the broader perception is significant. For American readers, understanding this difference shapes emotional responses, influences attitudes toward Iran and its supporters, and may affect public support for government actions or policies. Misunderstandings can fuel fear or anger, so recognizing both the official intent and broader perception is key to making informed judgments.

Experiences and Domestic Implications

Anti-American views are also found in the United States. While this week speaking on Thursdays on the “Minnesota Speaks” podcast on X Spaces, a community gathering of Minnesotans aligned to conservative values of many origins and backgrounds across the state, someone with an American accent said, “Death to America.”

This shows these ideas have spread inside the country. Concerns about border security have increased under President Biden. Many came to the U.S. for freedom, but some may pose a danger. In a 2023 public statement, the Department of Homeland Security said it is investigating individuals suspected of links to terrorism who may have entered the country. Some DHS estimates range from several thousand to over 10,000, but these figures are preliminary intelligence. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the actual number of terrorism threats may be higher than reported due to limited data, and the agency urges caution when interpreting these figures for continued vigilance.

The United States is now in conflict with Iran. According to Al Jazeera, members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps continue to use the “Death to America” slogan, which reflects ongoing tensions and power struggles in the region. It is important to remain attentive to these developments. The article says Americans should stay alert, regardless of their political beliefs. We, the Republican people of Color, activists like Mohamed Ahmed, will continue to speak out against extreme ideas. Ahmed has been recognized by community groups and the State Department as a citizen diplomat, showing positive involvement. It is important that Muslim Americans help in this discourse of conversation in America to showcase our diverse opinions that terrorism has no religion but is an abomination of ideology, and we will all together fight its manifestations in America and globally.

Every American can help unite and strengthen society. Get to know your neighbors and connect with different groups to reduce misunderstandings. Stay informed with reliable news to fight misinformation. Join local events or volunteer to promote shared values. Report threats or concerning behavior to authorities to help ensure safety. By showing respect and staying involved, Americans can build a stronger, more resilient community.

As the conflict continues, the risk of terrorism inside the country increases. No group is safe from this threat. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, in 2025, Zimnako Salah of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced to six years in prison for plotting attacks against Christian churches. According to court documents, Iran has provided financial and material support, such as money, weapons, and training, to groups responsible for related attacks. The plans by suspects to acquire weapons and explosives were stopped before they could be carried out. This case shows how hostile slogans like “Mar Agbar America” can go beyond protest and inspire threats. It highlights the need for unity and vigilance. Still, while terrorism is a risk, other dangers such as gun violence, cyber-attacks, and natural disasters have historically brought more harm and fear. By understanding these relative threats, Americans can stay alert without letting fear outweigh resilience and perspective.

Call for Unity and Watchfulness

All Americans seek peace, safety, and prosperity. While many hope the U.S.-Iran conflict will end, Americans must focus on recognizing threats while working toward peaceful solutions. The best path is to reject divisive slogans, promote peaceful exchange, and protect communities through vigilance and cooperation. Law enforcement, the military, intelligence agencies, and alert citizens all play critical roles in safety.

Conclusion: Rejecting Extremism

Every American deserves the chance to thrive. Rejecting “Mar Agbar America” may help encourage unity. By standing together, embracing diversity, and upholding common values, Americans can build a society rooted in hope. National strength is found in unity, with individuals working toward a better tomorrow. Trusting in community and shared ideals can help address challenges and pursue peace.
So, if you see something, America, America, say something.
The terrorism potential tipline to the FBI is
1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324)
Free People Power!
Use it or lose it America!

References

Tait, R. (August 18, 2007). Khomeini sought to drop the ‘ Death to America ‘ chant. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/aug/20/iran.roberttait

(n.d.). Death to America. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_to_America

Backhouse, F. & Editors, B. (August 18, 2023). 1953 coup in Iran. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/1953-coup-in-Iran

(2004). American Orientalism: The United States and the Middle East Since 1945. University of North Carolina Press. https://vdoc.pub/documents/american-orientalism-the-united-states-and-the-middle-east-since-1945-2381100ncurg

(2026). What is velāyat-e faqīh?. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/question/What-is-velayat-e-faqih

(2024). Death to America. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_to_America

(October 22, 1983). 1983 Beirut barracks bombings. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/1983-Beirut-barracks-bombings

(2024). Sarkha. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarkha

Neuman, S. & Arraf, J. (April 15, 2018). Iraqis Protest U.S.-Led Airstrikes Against Syria. WBEZ Chicago. https://www.wbez.org/news/2018/04/16/iraqis-protest-u-s-led-airstrikes-against-syria

Krasner, J., Weiner, C., Greenwald, M., & Rothchild, L. (2025). Between Home and Homeland: Jewish College Students Confront the Israel-Gaza Conflict and Campus Divides. Journal of Jewish Education 91(2), pp. 205-248. https://doi.org/10.1080/15244113.2025.2488844

(October 1, 2024). DHS 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment Indicates the Threat of Domestic and Foreign Terrorism in the Homeland Remains High. Department of Homeland Security. https://www.dhs.gov/archive/news/2024/10/02/dhs-2025-homeland-threat-assessment-indicates-threat-domestic-and-foreign-terrorism