Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Funeral: Public funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the first wave of US-Israeli strikes on February 28 is underway in Tehran. Thousands of people have gathered to pay their respects, and authorities expect millions more to join the funeral processions over the coming days.
Thousands Gather In Tehran, Raise Chants
On Saturday, large crowds gathered at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla to mourn Khamenei. Many mourners reportedly carried red banners, which are seen as a symbol of revenge, and chanted slogans such as “death to America", “death to Israel" and “revenge, revenge". According to news agency AFP, mourners assembled at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla, where they paid tribute to the late leader while raising calls for revenge. Videos shared online also showed thousands of people attending the ceremony.
Six-Day Funeral Ceremony Begins
Iran officially began six days of public funeral ceremonies for Khamenei on Friday. After the events in Iran, the funeral processions will continue in Iraq before his burial in Mashhad on July 9. Khamenei was killed during the opening phase of the US-Iran conflict in February. Several members of his family were also killed in the strikes, including his daughter, son-in-law, infant granddaughter and daughter-in-law.
Millions Expected To Attend
Iranian officials estimate that 15 to 20 million people will take part in the farewell ceremonies for the country's slain leader. Authorities have put heavy security measures in place across the country, especially in and around the capital, Tehran. President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) Peyman Jebelli said the farewell ceremony marks the beginning of the "Great Khamenei Era".
Largest Gathering Since 1989
The funeral is expected to be Iran’s biggest public gathering since the funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, reflecting the scale of the ceremonies being held in honour of the country's late Supreme Leader. Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Syed Ata Hasnain on Friday represented India as they attended the funeral ceremony.
In a post on X, Margherita shared that they paid their respects on behalf of the Government and people of India. “Hon'ble @Governor Bihar and I represented India at the funeral ceremony for Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, former Supreme Leader of Iran, in Tehran. Conveyed our respects on behalf of the Government and the people of India,” he wrote.
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