Thousands of mourners gathered at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla for the commencement of week-long funeral ceremonies honoring the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died on February 28 following airstrikes attributed to Israeli and U.S. forces.
The ceremonies began with the national anthem, religious eulogies, and recitations from the Quran. Iran is orchestrating extensive funeral processions to demonstrate public allegiance to the theocratic state and its revolutionary principles, marking the end of Khamenei's 37-year tenure.
Television broadcasts depicted Khamenei's coffin, draped in the Iranian flag and topped with his signature black turban, positioned on a large black platform resembling the Kaaba. This platform also held four other coffins believed to contain slain family members. The expansive courtyard of the prayer complex was densely packed with individuals, many waving flags and holding portraits of the deceased leader.
Chants of "Death to America" and calls for revenge resonated through the Mosalla, as reported by state broadcaster Seda va Sima. State media also captured footage of mourners vocalizing, "Our slogan is one word: Revenge, revenge," and "We will kill, we will kill he who killed our Imam."
Khamenei's coffin is scheduled to remain at the Mosalla until Sunday evening before a procession to significant Shi'ite centers in Iran and Iraq, including Qom, Najaf, and Kerbala. Burial is anticipated on Thursday in Mashhad, the site of Iran's most revered pilgrim shrine. Authorities are reportedly mobilizing millions for upcoming processions, providing logistical support to ensure mass participation.
The report also noted that Mojtaba Khamenei, the new supreme leader and son of the late Ayatollah, has not been seen in recent imagery since sustaining injuries in the strike that claimed his father's life.
