Ali Khamenei funeral begins with massive crowds and chants in Iran
Thousands of mourners dressed in black gathered at the Grand Mosalla religious complex in Tehran. Many waved red flags, which are widely seen in Iran as symbols of justice and calls for revenge.
Iranian authorities expect more than 10 million people to participate in the funeral ceremonies in Tehran alone. The events are planned to continue for almost a week to honor Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led the country for more than 35 years.
According to reports, Khamenei was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike on the first day of the recent Middle East conflict. He was 86 years old and had served as Iran’s supreme leader since 1989.
Photographs from the ceremony showed the coffins of Khamenei and four of his family members placed together at the front of the venue. Officials said they were all killed in the strikes carried out on February 28.
Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who was named as Iran’s new supreme leader after his father’s death, has not appeared in public since his appointment. His absence has attracted attention during the funeral events.
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Senior Iranian officials welcomed foreign guests who arrived to pay their respects before the public ceremonies began. During the gathering, crowds repeatedly chanted “death to America” and “revenge, revenge”.
Many mourners described Khamenei as a leader who had guided the country for decades. Some said they came to fulfill their promise of standing by him until the end and to give him a final farewell.
Security has been tightened across Tehran for the ceremonies. Roads have been closed, and authorities are expected to restrict airspace as the country prepares for one of its largest public gatherings in decades.
The coffin will remain in Tehran until Monday before a funeral procession moves through the capital. It will then travel to Qom, followed by visits to holy sites in Iraq before Khamenei is buried in his hometown of Mashhad on Thursday.
Iranian officials who survived the recent conflict attended the ceremonies together. Their presence was seen as a message of unity during a period of political and regional tension.
The large turnout reflects the importance of the funeral for many people in Iran and for the country’s leadership. The ceremonies are also expected to carry political significance as Iran faces growing regional and international challenges.
