Massive Crowds Gather in Tehran as Khamenei Funeral Begins, Trump Says Truce Will Hold

Thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran on Sunday for the funeral ceremonies of Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike earlier this year.

Funeral prayers for Khamenei and four members of his family were held at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, where large crowds assembled hours before the ceremony. The funeral procession will continue in Tehran before moving to the holy city of Qom, followed by ceremonies in the Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala. Khamenei is expected to be buried in Mashhad later this week.

U.S. President Donald Trump said no military action would take place during the funeral period, declaring that "neither side will shoot the other during the funeral proceedings." He added that indirect talks between Washington and Tehran would resume after the ceremonies.

Meanwhile, Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father as Iran's Supreme Leader, has remained out of public view since the February strike. Iranian officials said he would not attend the funeral due to security concerns following continued threats against his life.

Iran's embassy in Armenia strongly criticized Trump's remarks, saying that while individuals can be killed, their ideals cannot, and accused the United States of failing to understand Iran's history and values.

Despite ongoing tensions, diplomatic contacts between Iran and the United States are expected to continue after the mourning period, with Qatar mediating the next round of negotiations. Officials say recent discussions have covered maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, frozen Iranian assets, and broader regional issues.

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