Khamenei Funeral: Iran Begins Six-Day Funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Millions are expected to attend nationwide ceremonies as Tehran presents the funeral as a symbol of national unity and defiance.
Large crowds gather in Tehran as Iran begins funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
TEHRAN: Khamenei Funeral ceremonies began in Iran on Saturday as large crowds gathered in Tehran to pay tribute to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the first day of a six-day national mourning programme.
Iranian authorities expect up to 20 million people to participate in the funeral ceremonies across the country. If realised, the turnout would rank among the largest public gatherings in Iran’s history.
Officials have presented the funeral as a demonstration of national unity and resistance against Western powers. State authorities described the ceremonies as a symbol of Iran’s determination following months of heightened regional tensions.
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Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed more than four months ago during the first wave of Israeli and US airstrikes on Tehran. Iranian officials said several members of his family also died in the attacks.
Thousands of mourners filled streets in the Iranian capital as the funeral programme officially began. Security remained tight while organisers prepared for millions of additional participants over the coming days.
The six-day mourning period will include public processions, official ceremonies and religious gatherings across Iran. Authorities expect attendance to increase as events continue throughout the week.
The funeral comes at a time of continued regional tensions and is likely to remain a significant political and religious event in Iran.
