Iranians gathered to pay their respects at the funeral prayers for the late Iranian leader Ali Khamenei. Khamenei, the former Supreme Leader, was killed in an airstrike at the beginning of the US-Israeli offensive against Iran earlier this year. The significant turnout at the funeral reflects a growing sense of security among the populace despite calls for retribution against US President Donald Trump.
Plans are in place to transport Khamenei’s body to various cities in Iran and neighboring Iraq, with a procession through Tehran scheduled for Monday. Authorities have implemented strict security measures, including the closure of streets and airspace, to facilitate the mourning period, which will culminate in his burial at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace.
While the exact number of attendees over the weekend has not been disclosed, it is estimated to be in the thousands. The late leader’s coffin will be taken on a tour of different cities in Iran and Iraq, allowing more people to pay their respects. Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, has succeeded him as the new Supreme Leader of Iran.
The funeral ceremonies have seen many Iranians expressing their grief and prayers for Khamenei, with some chanting calls for the demise of President Trump. Iran, which has been under the rule of strict religious clerics for many years, is currently engaged in negotiations to end the conflict that resulted in Khamenei’s death at the age of 86.
Despite the loss of Khamenei, Iran still holds considerable influence, particularly in controlling the vital shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz. Thousands of Iranians are demanding revenge for the war that targeted their nation, underscoring the heightened tensions in the region.
As the mourning continues, the future trajectory of Iran remains uncertain following the passing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
