Huge crowds gather as Khamenei funeral ceremonies begin in Iran

Funeral ceremonies for Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei commenced Saturday, with state television reporting thousands of mourners gathered for tributes. Authorities expect between 15 and 20 million participants in Tehran over the next three days, marking a significant public display following Khamenei's death at 86 after 35 years of rule.

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We want to say a final goodbye to our leader, which is why waiting like this isn't painful or difficult for us.

The events are being closely scrutinized for any indication of Mojtaba Khamenei, the supreme leader's son, who was named successor a week after his father's killing but has yet to appear publicly. Mourners, some carrying red banners symbolizing vengeance, gathered at Tehran's Grand Mosalla religious complex, chanting slogans like "death to America" and "revenge, revenge."

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death to America

Security measures are extensive, with road closures and expected airspace restrictions for what is anticipated to be the largest public gathering in Iran since 1989. The coffin will lie in state until Monday, followed by processions through Tehran and visits to cities in Iraq before burial in Khamenei's hometown of Mashhad on Thursday. Officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Ahmad Vahidi, who was appointed head of the Revolutionary Guards after his predecessor's death, have been seen paying their respects.

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revenge, revenge