CNN host Erin Burnett sparked controversy Tuesday when she described a “friendliness” among Iranians who openly chant “Death to America.”
Reporting from Iran, Burnett told “Inside Politics” that despite the aggressive rhetoric, many Iranians were happy to engage with her and other American journalists.
“I remember, Dana, at one point being in Tehran years ago and they’re chanting ‘Death to America’ all around me,” Burnett said. “Even as I say ‘oh, I’m an American reporting for CNN,’ they were happy to speak to me.”
She acknowledged the contradiction, calling it “jarring” that hostility toward America coexists with polite conversations. The clip quickly spread on social media, drawing backlash.
Anti-American chants are nothing new in Iran. In November 2023, thousands gathered to mark the anniversary of the 1979 U.S. Embassy takeover. Protesters burned flags, stomped on Biden’s photo, and labeled the U.S. the “Great Satan.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long pointed to these chants as proof of Iran’s hostility. He pushed President Trump to take action, calling Iran a shared enemy of both nations.
Trump launched a major strike Saturday on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities. He called it a “very successful attack” and warned Iran not to provoke further conflict.
Iran responded by firing missiles at American military bases in Iraq and Qatar. Then, after agreeing to a ceasefire brokered by Trump, Iran broke the truce and launched more missiles at Israel.
Speaking from the White House lawn, Trump expressed frustration with both countries. “They don’t know what the f*** they are doing,” he said.
Meanwhile, Iran’s brutal human rights record continues. Women risk prison, flogging, or worse for not covering their hair. Marital rape is not criminalized. Victims of sexual assault must prove their case with confessions or four male witnesses—or face prosecution themselves.