Thousands of Iranians took to the streets on Thursday to honor former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 during US-Israeli airstrikes, marking the 40th day of mourning in accordance with Islamic tradition. The nationwide rallies, held in Tehran, Urmia, and Gorgan, coincided with a fragile ceasefire in the region and heightened anticipation over upcoming US-Iran talks in Pakistan.
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Participants carried portraits of Khamenei, waved Iranian flags, and voiced criticism of the planned negotiations, expressing distrust toward the United States. “The killing of our beloved leader was truly cowardly,” said Maryam Esmaeili, 33, adding that the US and Israel “crossed our red line.” Similar sentiments were echoed by other attendees, who emphasized loyalty to Iran’s leadership and the need for a strong response to foreign aggression.
President Masoud Pezeshkian joined the tributes in Tehran, posing with attendees for state media coverage. The rallies highlighted Khamenei’s enduring symbolic presence, with mourners affirming faith in the revolution and declaring the conflict against Israel and its allies as a test of national resilience.
The attack that killed Khamenei also claimed the lives of dozens of high-ranking officers and officials, igniting a conflict that has since spread across the Middle East, with Iran conducting retaliatory missile and drone strikes against Israel and Gulf nations.
While a state funeral could not be held due to ongoing hostilities, participants underscored their commitment to the leadership and expressed skepticism about upcoming peace talks in Islamabad. “It should be a lesson for the honourable people of Iran not to be fooled by the empty promises of hypocritical countries,” Esmaeili said, reflecting widespread wariness among citizens.
Many demonstrators also highlighted concern for Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes recently killed over 200 people, reinforcing fears that foreign intervention continues to destabilize the region. Supporters pledged obedience to Iran’s leadership while affirming the need to respond decisively to what they see as acts of aggression against the nation.
