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Iran begins funeral ceremonies for slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

From Daily Star · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Funeral ceremonies for Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei began in Tehran, drawing thousands of mourners.
  • Khamenei, who ruled for 35 years, was killed on February 28 during the US-Israeli war with Iran.
  • Authorities anticipate 15 to 20 million participants in Tehran over three days, with six days of ceremonies planned.

Thousands of mourners gathered at Tehran's Grand Mosalla religious complex for the funeral ceremonies of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28. State television reported the official start of the events, which are intended to project strength to Iran's adversaries.

We came (to the funeral) because we promised the supreme leader we would stand by him to the very end.

— RezaA 37-year-old university professor explaining his reason for attending the funeral.

Iranian authorities expect between 15 and 20 million people to attend tributes in Tehran over the next three days. Khamenei had led the Islamic republic since 1989. Six days of funeral ceremonies are scheduled to commemorate his life and rule.

Mourners, many carrying red banners symbolizing vengeance, chanted "death to America" and "revenge, revenge." Reza, a 37-year-old university professor, told AFP, "We came (to the funeral) because we promised the supreme leader we would stand by him to the very end." Javad Akbari, 43, a worker, expressed regret at never having seen Khamenei up close.

For a long time, we shouted that we would sacrifice our lives for the leader, but it was he who sacrificed himself for us.

— RezaA 37-year-old university professor reflecting on the leader's sacrifice.

The events are being closely watched for any signs from Khamenei's son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, who was named supreme leader a week after his father's death but has not yet appeared publicly. Significant security measures are in place, with roads blocked and airspace expected to be closed for the large-scale public event.

I never had the chance to see the supreme leader up close, and I regret that. Today, I have come to bid him a final farewell.

— Javad AkbariA 43-year-old food-processing plant worker expressing his feelings at the funeral.

The coffin will lie in state until Monday, followed by processions through Tehran and a move to Qom on Tuesday. The ceremonies will continue to cities in neighboring Iraq before burial on Thursday in Khamenei's home city of Mashhad. Officials who survived the war displayed grief and unity, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

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

— Somayye HamediA mourner explaining her willingness to wait for the ceremonies.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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