The funeral procession for Iran's late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei commenced on Monday morning in Tehran, drawing massive crowds of mourners, according to state television. This event marks the third day of a state funeral organized by the Iranian government to showcase strength and unity following the recent US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Massive Turnout in Tehran
As millions of people filled the streets of Tehran, the funeral procession of Khamenei featured a truck carrying the bodies of Khamenei and four family members who died in a February 28 US-Israeli strike. Images from the scene depicted large crowds lining major boulevards, reflecting a turnout comparable to Khamenei's predecessor Ruhollah Khomeini's funeral in 1989.
Among the mourners were ordinary Iranians and top officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, who stated, "The leadership of the martyr taught everyone that Iran's greatest asset is its people and their unity." The procession is a critical event in a series of ceremonies set to last for six days.
Emotional Displays of Loyalty
Participants expressed their grief and loyalty by throwing petals onto the coffins, including that of Khamenei's 14-month-old granddaughter. A 63-year-old mourner, who identified himself as Kazemi, proclaimed, "We will avenge the blood of the martyrs and our martyred imam from these criminals." Many attendees waved blood-red flags, symbols of vengeance in Shia Islam, and chanted slogans, including demands for justice against perceived enemies.
- Funeral details:
- Location: Tehran
- Attendees: Millions of mourners
- Significant figures present: President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
Future Processions and Speculations
Khamenei's body is scheduled to arrive in the holy city of Qom on Monday evening for a procession the following day. There is ongoing speculation regarding the whereabouts of Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen in public since his father's death. Iranian officials have indicated that he was wounded in an airstrike, raising questions about his participation in the upcoming ceremonies.
The ceremonies are set to culminate with Khamenei's burial in his hometown of Mashhad on Thursday, an event that will be closely monitored for any signs of Mojtaba's appearance.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by France 24 World. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
