Thousands of mourners gathered at the gates of the Grand Mosalla mosque in Tehran on Saturday for the funeral of former Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, whose 37-year rule ended in February when a US-Israel airstrike killed him. The event marks the beginning of a six-day funeral procession designed to underscore the regime's loss and its call for revenge against the West.
Massive turnout in Tehran
By early morning, the streets surrounding the mosque were packed with Iranians, many of whom had traveled for hours to attend. Mourners carried flags and portraits of Khamenei, chanting slogans against the United States and Israel. The funeral is the first of several processions planned across the country, with the supreme leader's body set to be transported to Qom and Mashhad before burial in Tehran later this week.
Context of the killing
Khamenei was killed in a precision airstrike on February 17, 2025, which Iran claims was carried out by US and Israeli forces. The attack marked the first major escalation of the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance. According to Iranian state media, the supreme leader's death has galvanized public sentiment, with many calling for retaliation. "This crime will not go unanswered," said a senior Iranian cleric during the funeral, as quoted by state television.
Impact and next steps
The funeral has drawn international attention, with world leaders expressing concern over potential regional instability. Iran's supreme leader successor, Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Movahedi, has vowed to continue Khamenei's policies. The US and Israel have not officially commented on the airstrike, but tensions remain high. The six-day funeral is expected to culminate in a massive rally in Tehran's Azadi Square, where leaders will address the nation.
