Khamenei's coffin parades through Tehran amid chants of 'revenge'

Massive crowds filled the streets of Tehran for the funeral procession of Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader who guided Iran for over three decades. Chants of "revenge" against Donald Trump and the United States, whom they blame for his death, echoed through the capital during the third of six national mourning days.

Iranian authorities had projected an attendance of 15 to 20 million people, a figure that would surpass the estimated 10 million who attended the 1989 funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. That event saw immense emotional crowds, with the coffin reportedly being jostled and the body falling before it was eventually transported by helicopter.

Khamenei's coffin, adorned with flowers and his distinctive black turban, was carried on an open truck through the city for over 10 hours. Temperatures exceeded 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), and water was sprayed from hydrants to combat the heat. Security forces walked alongside the procession to maintain order.

Among those present were Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who had a strained relationship with Khamenei, also appeared. The succession of the Supreme Leader remains uncertain, with reports suggesting Khamenei's 56-year-old son, Mojtaba, may have been severely injured in the attack that killed his father.

The funeral is seen as more than a national farewell; it is a powerful demonstration of unity and resolve, sending a clear message to the United States.