Iran begins seven days of mourning for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after US-Israeli attack

Millions are participating in the farewell ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, who was killed in a US-Israeli attack. His body is currently on display at a religious complex in Tehran, where dignitaries, officials, and citizens are paying their respects. This marks the beginning of a seven-day mourning period for Khamenei, whose 37-year rule ended with the attack in February.

The body of the assassinated leader, draped in the Iranian flag, will be accessible day and night until Monday at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque. Authorities anticipate between 15 and 20 million participants in Tehran alone for the three-day mourning period starting Saturday. These events are intended as a show of strength following a war that claimed many leaders and thousands of civilians.

Khamenei's remains are expected to travel through the holy Shiite cities of Qom, Najaf, and Karbala before his burial on Thursday in Mashhad, his hometown. The state funeral, initially planned for March but delayed due to the war, is anticipated to be the largest in Iran's history. The ceremonies are taking place amidst high tensions and a fragile ceasefire between Tehran and Washington, and six months after significant protests against the high cost of living and the government.

Authorities have mobilized millions by offering transportation, food, and accommodation to draw large crowds. Notably, the start of the funeral coincides with the United States' national holiday on July 4th, celebrating its 250th anniversary. Tehran has been under heavy security, with large areas closed to traffic. Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, who reportedly succeeded him as Supreme Leader in early March after being wounded in the attacks that killed his father, has not been confirmed to be present. The new Supreme Leader has communicated only through attributed statements and has not appeared publicly.