Huge Crowds Mass in Tehran for Ayatollah’s State Funeral

On Saturday, a massive gathering took place in Tehran as Iranians participated in the state funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This former supreme leader, who led Iran for decades, was killed in the initial phase of the U.S.-Israeli conflict in late February.

From early morning, tens of thousands of individuals began to gather at the Grand Mosalla mosque in Tehran. This marked the start of a six-day public mourning period. It is anticipated that millions will join the funeral procession as Ayatollah Khamenei’s body is transported to various cities across Iran.

Reporters from The New York Times observed mourners, many in tears, viewing the caskets of Ayatollah Khamenei and several family members who perished with him. Among them were his daughter and two grandchildren. These caskets, encased in glass and draped with Iranian flags, were displayed prominently on stage, with the Ayatollah’s coffin placed above the others.

The timing is challenging for Iran, with the nation encountering continuous crises. Recent significant anti-government protests faced severe repression, followed by an extended conflict with the United States and Israel. Israeli airstrikes claimed the life of Ayatollah Khamenei and other senior Iranian leaders on the conflict’s first day.

The display of the coffins, including those of Ayatollah Khamenei and his family, highlighted the personal loss for his supporters. However, for many Iranians, the extensive and costly funeral ceremonies are sources of anger. During over 37 years of authoritarian rule, Ayatollah Khamenei suppressed dissent and allowed economic challenges and corruption to grow.