Millions of Iranians have gathered in Tehran for the six-day funeral of Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader who ruled Iran for 36 years. Top officials attended a ceremony for Khamenei, who was killed along with several family members by US and Israeli strikes in February, marking the first attack of the war. Their coffins were laid beside his.
Funeral draws massive crowds
The funeral, described by Iran's first vice-president Mohammad Reza Aref as 'the most important event of this century,' is expected to draw millions across Iran. The processions began in Tehran and will continue over six days, with ceremonies planned in multiple cities.
Khamenei's legacy and death
Khamenei had been Iran's supreme leader since 1989, succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. His death in the US-Israeli strikes has heightened tensions in the region. The attack also killed several members of his family, whose coffins were displayed alongside his during the funeral.
