Iran Holds Week-Long Funeral Rites for Supreme Leader Khamenei

Massive crowds thronged a prayer complex in Tehran on Saturday for the start of week-long funeral ceremonies honoring Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His 37-year reign concluded in February following an airstrike attributed to the U.S. and Israel.

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Death to America

The elaborate processions aim to showcase public devotion to Iran's theocratic state and revolutionary ideals. State broadcaster Seda va Sima reported that mourners chanted "Death to America" and "Revenge, revenge" during the farewell ceremony. Other state media outlets captured chants of "We will kill, we will kill he who killed our Imam."

Khamenei's coffin, draped in the Iranian flag and topped with his black turban, was placed on a large black platform resembling the Kaaba. The vast courtyard of the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla was filled with attendees waving flags and holding photographs of the late leader. Water mist was sprayed from rooftops to cool the mourners amid the summer heat.

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Our slogan is one word: Revenge, revenge

Following the ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei's body is scheduled to be transported to the Shi'ite centers of Qom and Najaf in Iran and Iraq, respectively. He is expected to be laid to rest on Thursday in Mashhad, a city housing Iran's holiest pilgrim shrine. Authorities are mobilizing millions for the upcoming processions, providing transport, food, and lodging to ensure large turnouts.

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We will kill, we will kill he who killed our Imam.