Iran Prepares for Funeral of Supreme Leader Khamenei Amidst War

Iran is preparing for an extensive multi-day funeral and burial for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died on February 28, following the commencement of a war involving the United States and Israel. The delay in the funeral is attributed to the conflict's intensity. The ceremonies are expected to include processions through various cities in Iran and neighboring Iraq, serving as a critical test of the Iranian theocracy's capacity to rally widespread public support. This mobilization is particularly significant given the recent history of security forces suppressing nationwide protests against Khamenei's government. A large public turnout could also heighten the risk of deadly stampedes, a concern that marred the funeral of Iran's first Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The current tense ceasefire and a provisional agreement with the United States appear to have emboldened authorities to proceed with the ceremonies, despite the ongoing war and past Israeli actions targeting high-ranking officials. The article notes uncertainty regarding the public appearance of Khamenei's son, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the presumed successor, who is believed to have been injured in the attack that killed his father and remains in hiding. The funeral events are scheduled to begin Saturday in Tehran, with Khamenei's body to be displayed before processions and eventual burial in Mashhad.