Khamenei's funeral: A parade of victory in Iran

A massive funeral procession for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei transformed Tehran into a stage for a significant political demonstration, the largest in the country in decades. The six-day mourning period, which began after Khamenei's death on February 28, has seen ceremonies in Tehran and Qom, with further events planned in the holy Shiite cities of Najaf and Karbala in neighboring Iraq. The procession, stretching ten kilometers, was more than just a display of grief for the millions who lived under Khamenei's rule since 1989. It was a meticulously organized political event, blending religious, national, and military symbolism. Iranian authorities used this grand display to communicate a message of victory against the United States and Israel to both domestic and international audiences, while simultaneously aiming to consolidate national unity. The funeral ceremonies are set to conclude tomorrow in Mashhad, the birthplace of the late ayatollah, four months after his reported death in an Israeli attack.