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Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei funeral draws millions
Thousands gathered at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla for the second day of a week‑long funeral for the slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Three of his sons – Mostafa, Meysam and Masoud – prayed beside the coffins of their father and four close relatives who were also killed in the February 28 air strike that sparked the US‑Israel war with Iran. Chants of "revenge, revenge" and slogans such as "Death to America" and "We will kill Trump" echoed through the complex, while mourners beat their chests and waved Iranian and red flags symbolising vengeance.
The new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father in March, remained absent, reportedly due to severe injuries sustained in the same strike. Iranian officials warned of threats against him. The government has organised massive processions, offering transport, food and lodging, and expects millions to attend. Tehran’s metro recorded about seven million journeys from Saturday night to Sunday morning. After Tehran, the body will travel to Qom, then to the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, and finally be buried in Mashhad on July 9. Delegations from dozens of countries, including Pakistan, Russia, China and representatives of Hamas and Hezbollah, attended the ceremonies.