Iran: Thousands attend Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's funeral in Tehran

Thousands of Iranians converged on Tehran's Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque on Saturday for the second day of national funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The event, occurring more than four months after his death, drew massive crowds from early morning.

State television announced the official start of the national funeral proceedings around 6 a.m. local time. The vast religious complex quickly filled with mourners and supporters. Authorities implemented significant traffic restrictions across several Tehran districts, with many participants reportedly walking several kilometers to reach the venue, according to Agence France-Presse.

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We want to take one last look at our Guide. Such an wait is neither painful nor difficult for us.

Participants carried red flags inscribed with "Martyr" and chanted anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans, including "Death to America" and "Death to Israel." Iranian officials projected that the ceremonies could attract between 15 and 20 million people in the capital alone. The country's leaders urged a massive turnout to honor Khamenei, who led Iran for nearly four decades until his death at age 86.

Attention is focused on a potential appearance by Mojtaba Khamenei, Ali Khamenei's son and the newly elected Supreme Leader. Mojtaba Khamenei, who was reportedly injured during the war, has remained absent from public view since the conflict began and has so far issued only written statements. Tehran remains under high security with a substantial police and law enforcement presence.

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Coming here is the last and best thing we can do for Ali Khamenei.