Iran Begins Six-Day Funeral Ceremonies for Late Supreme Leader Khamenei
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Iran has commenced six days of public funeral ceremonies for its late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Tens of millions are expected to participate in Tehran alone, with processions planned in Iraq before burial in Mashhad.
- The events are being closely watched for signs of Khamenei's son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not yet appeared publicly.
Iran officially began six days of public funeral ceremonies on Saturday morning for its late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died aged 86. State television reported that processions are scheduled to continue in Iraq before his burial.
death to America
Thousands of mourners carrying red banners, a symbol of revenge, gathered at Tehran's Grand Mosalla, chanting slogans against the United States and calling for retribution. Iranian authorities anticipate between 15 and 20 million participants in Tehran over the next three days to honor Khamenei, who led the Islamic Republic from 1989 until his death on February 28, the first day of the US-Israeli war with Iran.
The funeral events are particularly significant for any indication of Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who was named supreme leader a week after his father's killing but has yet to make a public appearance. His injuries from the same strikes that killed his father were reported, though the extent remains unclear.
revenge, revenge
Significant security measures are in place, with roads blocked and airspace expected to close for what is anticipated to be the largest public event in Iran since the 1989 burial of Ruhollah Khomeini. Mourners were seen walking several kilometers to reach the venue, with some waiting since Friday evening. Officials who survived the war, including parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Ahmad Vahidi, who was named chief of the Revolutionary Guards, displayed grief and unity.
We want to say a final goodbye to our leader, which is why waiting like this isn't painful or difficult for us.
Originally published by Daily Star in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.