Friendly Iranians Chant ‘Death to America’ [WATCH]

CNN anchor Erin Burnett is drawing renewed attention for remarks she made during an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, in which she described “friendliness” from Iranian citizens while they chanted “death to America” around her during past reporting trips in Tehran.

“I remember, Dana, one point being in Tehran years ago and they’re chanting ‘death to America’ all around me, even as I say, ‘Oh, I’m an American, reporting for CNN,’” Burnett said during the segment.

“And they were happy to speak to me, so — so those two sort of jarring realities of the chant and yet, the — the friendliness have existed together.”

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The comments were made as part of a discussion on Iranian political rhetoric and anti-American sentiment in the Middle East.

Burnett’s remarks appeared to downplay the severity of the chant, a phrase long associated with official Iranian state propaganda and often heard at government-organized rallies and public events.

This is not the first time Burnett has expressed a similar view.

In a 2020 broadcast, she shared a comparable personal anecdote, recalling a time she was present at an anti-American rally in Tehran.

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“I will say, I was in Tehran when they were chanting ‘Death to America’ once,” Burnett said in that earlier segment.

“I was at a rally, the people couldn’t have been any friendlier to me personally as an American. It sort of felt like a thing and a trope, as opposed to anything that actually was seriously meant and considered.”

Burnett went on to say, “I understand your point, but having been there my experience was quite different.”

From the network that brought you “Fiery But Mostly Peaceful”, we present: “Friendly Death To America” https://t.co/KO70ASwlVW

— Logan Dobson (@LoganDobson) June 24, 2025

Iranian state television and affiliated media outlets have frequently broadcast “death to America” chants at official ceremonies and during speeches by political leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The slogan has been used repeatedly by both state officials and organized groups within the country, particularly during national holidays, protests, and following major foreign policy developments.

The chant has also been heard in the aftermath of military escalations between Iran and the United States, including after the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in January 2020.

While some Western commentators and media figures have occasionally suggested that such slogans may be intended more as symbolic rhetoric than literal threats, U.S. government officials and military analysts have historically regarded the phrase as reflective of long-standing hostility from the Iranian regime toward the United States.

Burnett’s latest comments have once again prompted discussion on social media and within media watchdog circles, with critics questioning whether the remarks minimize the seriousness of the Iranian government’s repeated use of the phrase.

CNN has not issued a statement regarding Burnett’s comments. As of Tuesday afternoon, Burnett had not publicly responded to inquiries or criticism surrounding her remarks.

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