Thousands Mourn Khamenei as Iran Begins Week-Long Funeral Ceremonies

Tens of thousands of Iranians gathered in Tehran on Saturday to pay their respects to Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose funeral ceremonies have begun months after he was killed during the opening strikes of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Crowds dressed in black filled the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, waving Iranian flags and holding portraits of Khamenei and his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei. Mourners chanted religious slogans, beat their chests, and observed Shi'ite mourning rituals as the coffins of Khamenei and several family members killed in the same attack were displayed.

Iranian authorities have announced a week of funeral events, with a massive public procession planned in Tehran before ceremonies continue in the holy cities of Qom, Najaf, Karbala, and Mashhad, where Khamenei is expected to be buried.

State officials say the ceremonies are intended to demonstrate national unity following the devastating conflict, which claimed thousands of lives and caused widespread destruction across Iran. Military leaders also renewed vows to respond to Khamenei's killing.

Despite the large turnout, analysts say Iran continues to face political and economic challenges after the war. Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father as Supreme Leader, has remained largely out of public view since reportedly being injured in the same airstrike.

The conflict, which began in late February, resulted in extensive exchanges between Iran, the United States, and Israel before a fragile ceasefire was reached earlier this year. Although fighting has largely subsided, tensions across the Middle East remain high.

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