Iranians loyal to the Islamic republic gathered late into Thursday night in Mashhad, the hometown of supreme leader Ali Khamenei, to mourn his burial and call for revenge amid escalating hostilities with the United States.

Khamenei was killed in late February by an Israeli strike on the first day of the US-Israeli war against Iran, ending his more than three and a half decades in power. His body was buried Friday in the memorial hall of the shrine of Imam Reza, the holiest site for Shia Muslims in Iran, according to state broadcaster IRIB.

Mourners beat their chests and wept along the route as they awaited Khamenei's coffin, which was transported by helicopter to avoid the crowded main avenue. Despite an accord last month intended to end the war, new hostilities have continued, with at least one fighter jet escorting the plane carrying Khamenei’s coffin to Mashhad.

State television reported that Khamenei’s son and successor was not seen at the burial ceremony. Throughout the mourning, Iranians rejected any compromise with the West, emphasizing that "only revenge can soothe the pain."

Sources

South China Morning Post World (Agence France-Presse)