Thousands mourn Iran's late supreme leader Ali Khamenei as funeral ceremonies begin
On Saturday, the funeral services for Iran's former supreme leader Ali Khamenei commenced, attracting thousands to the Grand Mosalla religious complex in Tehran. Khamenei, who governed Iran from 1989 until his assassination at the age of 86 on February 28, is being honored with a series of ceremonies lasting six days. Authorities in Iran expect between 15 and 20 million attendees in Tehran alone over the next three days. Mourners displayed red banners representing retribution and shouted slogans like 'death to America' and 'revenge, revenge'. The proceedings will be closely monitored for any sign of Mojtaba Khamenei, Khamenei's son and successor, who was appointed supreme leader a week after his father’s passing but has not yet made a public appearance.
Key facts
- Ali Khamenei ruled Iran from 1989 until his death on February 28.
- He was killed on the first day of the US-Israeli war with Iran.
- Six days of funeral ceremonies are planned.
- Ceremonies began on Saturday in Tehran.
- Authorities expect 15-20 million participants in Tehran.
- Mourners carried red banners and chanted anti-American slogans.
- Mojtaba Khamenei was named successor but has not appeared publicly.
- The funeral is seen as a show of strength to Iran's foes.
Entities
Institutions
- Agence France-Presse
- Grand Mosalla
- Islamic republic
- Reuters
- South China Morning Post
- IRNA
Locations
- Iran
- Tehran
- United States
- Israel
- Grand Mosalla religious complex