Iran begins six-day funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid chants for revenge

A vast sea of people has gathered in the courtyard of the Great Mosalla Mosque in Tehran for the public phase of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's six-day funeral. Iranian flags fly and people carry images of the late leader.

Khamenei's coffin, draped in the Iranian flag and topped with his black turban, rests on a large black platform. The funeral ceremonies began with the national anthem, religious eulogies, and Quranic verses. State media reported mourners chanting for revenge and death to America, according to Reuters. The coffins of Khamenei's four family members, who also died in the attack, are also displayed.

Iranian authorities expect 15 to 20 million mourners, though such large numbers are difficult to independently verify. The funeral is considered a display of Iran's strength, with images of grieving crowds sent to the world to emphasize political and religious resistance and societal unity. Russian Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev attended the state funeral ceremony.

Khamenei was killed in an attack by the United States and Israel in February. The funeral procession will travel 10 kilometers through Tehran's streets on Monday. On Tuesday, the procession will move to Qom, the spiritual center of Shia learning in Iran.

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Mourners shouted for revenge and death to America.