Iran Holds Funeral for Late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Iran has commenced a dayslong funeral ceremony for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His death followed an airstrike at the onset of war, resulting in his demise at the age of 86. Authorities showcased the casket, containing Khamenei’s body in a glass case, at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran, the capital city. Mourners expressed their grief and emotions, with many crying and chanting demands for revenge.

The procession witnessed attendees carrying banners and flags. The city saw billboards displaying Khamenei’s image. Participants engaged in rhythmic chest beating, a prominent Shiite funeral custom. Among the mourners was Hananeh Mousavi, aged 27, who, alongside her mother, expressed profound sorrow at the loss, stating, “I am here to say goodbye to my beloved leader Ali Khamenei. I never expected to see such a day. I wish I had died before this tragedy.”

The Grand Mosalla featured an outdoor stage designed to resemble the site where Khamenei previously delivered speeches, which was destroyed in the Israeli airstrike that claimed his life and those of his family members at the start of the Iranian war on February 28. The caskets of family members were displayed with Khamenei’s, marked by a black turban, a symbol of his lineage from the Prophet Muhammad.

The Iranian government anticipates millions to participate in the funeral, echoing the scenes from Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s burial in 1989. Organizers made provisions for the summer heat by spraying water and providing cold drinks to attendees.

Ali Kazemi, who traveled from Tabriz, approximately 530 kilometers from Tehran, emphasized the collective commitment to defend the nation and faith as a reason for his attendance. A significant turnout is expected to bolster the Iranian government, especially as they engage in discussions with the United States over resolving the ongoing conflict and amid potential Israeli threats.

The funeral coincided with the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding. Although the timing was not formally acknowledged, chants of “Death to America” were heard at the ceremony, reflecting a sentiment present since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and U.S. Embassy crisis in Tehran.

In a speech from South Dakota, U.S. President Donald Trump remarked, “We knocked the hell out of Iran. They want to settle so badly. We gave them a week off for a funeral.” In addition, some mourners in Tehran displayed a large flag with the inscription “#KillTrump.”

Khamenei’s body is set to travel to other cities in Iran and neighboring Iraq during the mourning period. Tehran has seen a shutdown of streets, airspace, and daily activities during this time. There is uncertainty regarding the appearance of Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, at his father’s funeral. Previously, he was seen visibly grieving at Khomeini’s funeral in 1989, marking the beginning of his authoritative era in leading Iran.

Iran’s military command issued a warning to Israel and the U.S. to avoid any missteps amid the heightened tensions in the days following the funeral announcement.