In a tense confrontation at a subdued Manhattan gathering commemorating the late Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a protester advocating for the Iranian populace faced a violent backlash on Friday. The incident unfolded in Washington Square Park, where the protester was forcefully taken to the ground and assaulted.

The New York Police Department officers were present, endeavoring to maintain peace between the two small factions. However, hostilities erupted when Rami Even-Esh tore down a poster of Khamenei, sparking outrage among the late leader’s supporters. Some of these individuals, dressed in keffiyehs, retaliated by knocking him down and delivering kicks, as captured in footage by FreedomNTV.

In response, officers swiftly intervened, restraining Even-Esh in handcuffs, even as blood streamed from a wound on his nose.

“He’s a terrorist who has been responsible for the deaths of American soldiers, and I found it outrageous that a vigil was being held for him right here,” Even-Esh explained to The Post while being escorted by police. “Removing the sign felt like the right action to take.”

“I believe it’s crucial for someone to stand up for the Iranian people,” he added, underscoring his motivation.

“I feel like someone should show up for the Iranian people.”

Police said multiple people were taken into custody during the demonstration.

About two dozen counter-protesters, some of Iranian descent or pro-Israel, also chanted “USA” and “death to the terrorist,” drowning out the roughly 25 mourners on hand for the detestable display of respect for the top cleric.

The group commemorating the leader of the murderous regime claimed he defended the Iranian people — and they credited him for his bloodthirsty opposition to Israel.

They also boasted his support for progressive causes, according to a vigil handout.

Flowers lay on a table covered in a black and red keffiyeh. An Iranian flag and one with the depraved despot’s face on it were also flying.

An Iranian woman who immigrated to the US said the pro-Khamenei protesters were clueless about the realities of the “terroristic regime.” 

“They just don’t get the message,” she told The Post.

“These are mad dogs. These mad dogs that cannot be released in the world,” she said of the Iranian regime.

“We like the fact that Trump is actually helping Iranians to eliminate these people. We appreciated it. It is respectful that this is happening.”

Khamenei was killed last Saturday in the US-Israeli attack dubbed “Operation Fury” when Israeli missiles rained down from the edge of space, striking his compound.

The joint airstrikes have killed a series of Iranian leaders with Tehran firing back over the past week.

Six US service members have been killed in the conflict.