Huge crowds of Iranians gathered in Tehran on Saturday for the state funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the former supreme leader who died in late February amidst the U.S.-Israeli war. The elaborate ceremonies began at dawn at the Grand Mosalla mosque, with tens of thousands of mourners participating.
Millions are anticipated to join the funeral procession as Ayatollah Khamenei's body is transported across the country over six days of public events. Journalists present at the Grand Mosalla mosque witnessed grieving supporters expressing profound sorrow upon seeing the caskets of Ayatollah Khamenei and several family members, including his daughter and two grandchildren, who perished alongside him.
The caskets, encased in glass and draped with Iranian flags, were displayed on a stage, with the Ayatollah's coffin positioned prominently. This funeral takes place during a period of significant turmoil for Iran, which has faced a succession of crises, including widespread anti-government protests earlier in the year that were met with a severe government crackdown, followed by an extended conflict with the United States and Israel.
Ayatollah Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials were reportedly killed by Israeli airstrikes on the initial day of the conflict. While supporters mourn the loss of the former supreme leader, a segment of the Iranian population views the extensive and costly funeral arrangements with resentment. Critics point to Khamenei's 37-year rule, characterized by the harsh suppression of dissent and persistent economic mismanagement and corruption.
