Millions Flock to Ali Khamenei's Funeral Procession in Iran

Tehran witnessed an immense outpouring of grief and solidarity as millions of Iranians participated in the funeral procession for the nation's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The procession, which stretched for kilometers, carried the coffins of Khamenei and family members who perished in an airstrike.

The airstrike, which occurred on February 28, is attributed by Iran to military aggression by the United States and Israel. Khamenei, who was 86 at the time of his death, and his relatives were killed in the attack. The massive attendance at the funeral is being framed by the Iranian regime as a demonstration of the country's enduring strength and unity during sensitive war negotiations.

During the procession, many mourners carried placards and banners expressing anger and calling for retribution against US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. State television broadcast images of the vast crowds, highlighting the emotional intensity of the event. Water was sprayed on attendees to help them cope with the high temperatures.

The procession was scheduled to continue for 12 hours before reaching Mehrabad International Airport. The official mourning period is set to conclude on Thursday with Khamenei's burial in Mashhad. Notably absent from the public funeral ceremonies has been Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Ali Khamenei's son and designated successor, who is reportedly in hiding after being wounded in the same airstrike. Talks between the US and Iran regarding a permanent end to the war are reportedly on hold until the conclusion of these funeral events.