Thousands mourn former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran amid anti-US chants

Thousands of Iranians gathered in Tehran for the state funeral of Ali Khamenei, the former Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, transforming the ceremony into a display of loyalty to the regime and animosity towards its perceived enemies. Chants of "Death to America," "Revenge, revenge," and anti-Israel slogans filled the courtyard of the Grand Mosque of Tehran. The funeral proceedings began officially in the capital, with authorities anticipating the largest funeral ceremony in Iran's history. Crowds dressed in black mourning attire converged on the Mosalla Mosque, where Khamenei's coffin, marked by his iconic black turban, was displayed in a transparent case. Also present were the remains of his family members who perished in the same attack: his daughter Boshra, his 14-month-old granddaughter Zahra, his son-in-law Mesbaholhoda Bagheri, and his daughter-in-law Zahra Hadad Adel, wife of Mojtaba Khamenei. The current Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was notably absent from the initial day of ceremonies. Reports suggest he expressed a desire to attend his father's funeral in Mashhad but security forces reportedly opposed the idea, fearing for his safety and potential exposure of his location. Iranian media have largely avoided mentioning him, and his participation is considered unlikely. Despite Mojtaba's potential absence, the Islamic Republic intends to leverage the funerals as a show of strength towards the United States, particularly as negotiations are set to resume after the ceremonies conclude. According to Al Arabiya, the next round of talks is scheduled for July 11 in Pakistan, focusing on U.S. sanctions against Tehran, frozen Iranian funds, and the nuclear program. Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the funerals, noting the suspension of talks due to the ceremonies and remarking on the display of emotion from some Iranians.

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Death to America