Tehran Procession Commemorates Fallen Leader Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Following a two-day period of lying in state at Tehran's Grand Mosalla complex, the late Supreme Leader's body began a grueling 12-hour journey across the capital. Large crowds of mourners packed the streets to witness the procession, which marks the start of a weeklong series of national funerary rituals.
Khamenei, who governed Iran for nearly 37 years, was killed at the age of 86 in an air strike on February 28, marking the onset of the United States-Israel war on Iran. State media reported that demonstrators in Imam Hussein Square hung effigies of US leaders, while others displayed placards promising retribution against Washington and Israel.
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The ceremonies also highlighted internal political dynamics, notably the physical absence of Mojtaba Khamenei, who was appointed supreme leader shortly after his father's death but remains unseen due to injuries sustained in the same strike. "Those who committed this crime must know that we will never cease in our pursuit of justice," stated Iran's army chief, Major General Amir Hatami.
Delegations from regional allies, including Hamas and Hezbollah, attended the ceremonies to pay their respects to a leader who long championed confrontation with Western powers. The multi-city funeral itinerary is scheduled to move to the clerical hub of Qom and holy sites in Iraq before concluding with a final burial in Mashhad on Thursday.