Iran mourns former Supreme Leader as millions gather for funeral amid US-Israel war

Tehran – Millions are gathering in Tehran for the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died along with family members at the onset of the US-Israel war on Iran. Al Jazeera reports that over 10 million people, including representatives from more than 100 countries, are expected to attend the ceremony at Tehran's Grand Mosalla.

Visuals shared by Iran's Embassy in India show vast crowds paying their final respects. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, speaking at Mount Rushmore, announced a one-week pause on bombing Iran for the funeral, stating, "We gave them a week off for a funeral because we're nice people."

India's representation at the funeral included Governor of Bihar Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita. They extended condolences for the loss of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and for those who perished in the recent conflict.

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We knocked the hell out of Iran, they're dying to settle. They want to settle so badly. We gave them a week off for a funeral because we're nice people.

According to the New York Post, the projected attendance is the largest since Iranians protested living conditions in December and January. Experts suggest that officials delayed services for months due to security concerns, describing them as "afraid and weak." The funeral ceremonies coincide with July 4th celebrations in the US, a period marked by escalating tensions between the two nations.

State funeral services were scheduled to begin in the prayer hall of Imam Khomenei, the founder of the Islamic Republic. A funeral procession is planned for July 6. The New York Post also noted that scores of deaths were reported in stampedes during Khomenei's 1989 funeral, which also drew an estimated 10 million people.

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Represented India at the funeral ceremony of His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in Tehran today, along with MoS External Affairs Pabitra Margherita. Also extended deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent conflict.