Iran Begins Dayslong Funeral for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Killed in War

Tehran erupted in a sea of mourners Saturday as hundreds of thousands began a dayslong funeral for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The 86-year-old leader, who ruled for decades, was killed in a Feb. 28 airstrike, marking the second time Iran has lost a supreme leader since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. His death and subsequent funeral could empower his son, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who is poised to become the new supreme leader. This development is significant as Iran navigates sensitive negotiations with the U.S. for a permanent end to the ongoing war and faces lingering concerns about potential Israeli aggression.

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We attended the funeral to show that we are all committed to defend our country and religion.

The funeral, which was delayed by the ongoing conflict, saw mourners chanting calls for revenge against Israel and the United States. "Death to America!" and "Death to Israel!" echoed through the capital, reflecting deep-seated animosity. During the ceremony, Iran's top negotiator issued a warning to France and the United Kingdom regarding their comments on potential joint patrols in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy transport.

The outdoor stage at the Grand Mosalla was set up to resemble Khamenei's former speaking venue, complete with a chair and microphone. Images of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the first supreme leader, were also displayed. Volunteers worked to keep the massive crowds cool in the summer heat, with men and women congregating separately after security checks. Police with assault rifles maintained a visible presence on surrounding streets. The caskets of Khamenei's deceased family members were placed alongside his, with his black turban signifying his lineage to the Prophet Muhammad. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, reportedly wounded in the attack that killed his father, has not been seen publicly since the war began.

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Death to America!

One mourner, Ali Kazemi, traveled from the northwestern city of Tabriz to attend. "We attended the funeral to show that we are all committed to defend our country and religion," he stated. Notably, Iran chose July 4, the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding, to commence the funeral proceedings, though authorities did not explicitly acknowledge the symbolic timing. The chants against the U.S. and Israel underscore the volatile geopolitical landscape surrounding Iran's internal affairs and its international relations.

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Death to Israel!