The funeral procession for Iran’s late supreme leader Ali Khamenei began on Monday in Tehran, drawing massive crowds that authorities say could rival those at the funeral of his predecessor nearly four decades ago. Khamenei, who was killed on February 28—the first day of the Middle East war—lay in state for two days at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla religious complex before the procession commenced, according to state broadcaster IRIB.

Mourners gathered in Imam Hussein Square in eastern Tehran, where an effigy of US President Donald Trump was hanged, as reported by state media. Authorities are aiming to avoid the disruption that occurred during the 1989 funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Khamenei’s predecessor, which attracted an estimated 10 million people and resulted in over 10 deaths and thousands of injuries due to crowd surges.

The ceremonies serve as an opportunity for Iran to project resilience amid ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. Attention remains on Khamenei’s successor, his son Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since assuming power. Three of Ali Khamenei’s other sons made a rare public appearance at the funeral on Sunday.

The new commander of the Revolutionary Guards, Ahmad Vahidi, whose predecessor was killed on February 28, also appeared publicly for the second time during the funeral events. A mourner, identified as a 39-year-old woman named Bakand, expressed support for the revolution and demanded revenge for the blood of loved ones.

It remains unclear how much public access will be allowed during the procession, with authorities mindful of the 1989 incident when mourners stormed Khomeini’s vehicle, forcing officials to use a helicopter for his burial.

Notable Quotes

  • "Proud and invincible nation of Islamic Iran unanimously."
  • "The killers (of Khamenei) must face punishment."
  • "We back our revolution and our leader, and we demand revenge for the blood of our loved ones," said a woman, 39, with the surname Bakand.

Sources: South China Morning Post World, France 24 English