Thousands mourn Khamenei in Iran; funeral rites to continue in Iraq

Thousands of mourners gathered in the Iranian holy city of Qom to pay their respects to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The funeral ceremonies, which began after his death, are set to continue in neighboring Iraq, marking a significant moment for the nation.

Following large-scale funeral services in the capital, Tehran, the procession moved to Qom, where crowds held red flags and banners, some denouncing U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Khamenei and four of his relatives died in an airstrike by the U.S. and Israel on Iran in late February, amidst the outbreak of a Middle East war. His remains are expected to be transported to Iraq tonight.

Iranian authorities reportedly hope these events will showcase national strength and unity, particularly six months after suppressing anti-government demonstrations. Security forces are being heavily deployed in Iraq for the funeral processions planned in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. Khamenei, who ruled Iran for over 30 years, will be buried on September 9 in his hometown of Mashhad, in northeastern Iran.

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Curse Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu to die.