Khamenei funeral: Huge crowds throng Tehran to join ceremonies; no sign of Mojtaba

Vast crowds of Iranians gathered in Tehran on Saturday to commence nearly a week of funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Authorities intend for these events to convey a message of defiance to the West, particularly after the recent war with the United States and Israel.

Mourners, clad in black and waving blood-red flags symbolizing vengeance, thronged the Grand Mosalla religious complex. Khamenei, who had led Iran since 1989, pursuing a confrontational foreign policy and suppressing domestic dissent, died at age 86 in an Israeli strike on February 28. The attack also claimed the lives of several family members and top officials.

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The leader was a father to us all. With his passing, we have all been left orphaned... There was no one like him. He was truly unique and peerless.

Amidst temperatures potentially reaching 40°C, thousands of men and women, strictly segregated, filled the expansive complex. Coffins of Khamenei and four family members were displayed prominently. Chants of "death to America" and "revenge, revenge" echoed through the venue. "The leader was a father to us all. With his passing, we have all been left orphaned," said Mohammad Mirsalehi, 38, a cleric.

Authorities anticipate mobilizing over 10 million people in the capital alone for the ceremonies. However, Tehran was notably quieter than usual in the lead-up, with some residents reportedly leaving the city. The funeral is seen internationally as a test of the government's support, especially after mass protests in January. The ceremonies include three days in Tehran, followed by a move to Qom, then Iraq, with burial planned for Thursday.

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We must rise up and, God willing, avenge the blood of our leader.