Iran Begins Largest Funerals in History for Assassinated Leader Ali Khamenei

Iran is commemorating its assassinated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei with the largest funerals in the history of the Islamic Republic. The six-day ceremony, spanning five cities in Iran and Iraq, began Friday, four months after Khamenei was reportedly killed by the United States and Israel on February 28, the first day of a war.

Khamenei, now referred to as the "martyred leader," was honored in Tehran's Mosala mosque. His coffin, draped in an Iranian flag and topped with a black turban signifying descent from the Prophet Muhammad, was displayed alongside those of four family members killed with him, including his three-year-old granddaughter. His son and potential successor, Mojtaba, has not been seen publicly since his appointment on March 8.

A procession of international dignitaries, including the prime ministers of Pakistan and Armenia, and the presidents of Iraq, Tajikistan, and Georgia, paid their respects. Representatives from Russia, China, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, and Morocco were also present. However, the international turnout was notably smaller than that for former President Ebrahim Raisi's funeral in 2024, with only Qatar and Oman sending official representatives from the Persian Gulf states, reflecting ongoing regional tensions.

Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Eyei, were seen weeping before the coffins. Military leaders renewed their loyalty to the Islamic Revolution, with the Army's commander vowing to "avenge the blood of the martyred leader." Ahmad Vahidi, commander of the powerful Revolutionary Guard, appeared publicly for the first time since February. Tehran is under a heightened state of security, with limited flights and a significant police presence.

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will avenge the blood of the martyred leader