Millions gather as Khamenei funeral procession begins in Iran

Vast crowds filled Tehran's streets on Monday for the funeral procession of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Authorities estimated the turnout could rival the estimated 10 million people who attended the farewell of his predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989.

The ceremonies provide Iran an opportunity to project resilience following five weeks of war with the United States and Israel. However, attention remains focused on Khamenei's successor, his son Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since assuming power.

Khamenei's body, after lying in state for two days, began its journey through the capital. Flower petals covered the coffin as it moved through the streets. Organizers aimed to avoid the chaos of Khomeini's 1989 funeral, which saw over 10 deaths and 10,000 injuries due to crowd surges.

"If I am to compare this ceremony to that one, I can say they are not different at all. But the crowd this time seems more enthusiastic," said Gholamreza Khanbabaei, 58, attending the procession. Mourners waved flags of Iran and Hezbollah, and some displayed effigies of U.S. President Donald Trump. Trucks sprayed mourners with water to cool them in the sweltering heat.

“

If I am to compare this ceremony to that one, I can say they are not different at all. But the crowd this time seems more enthusiastic.