Thousands of mourners filled the streets of Tehran on Monday for the funeral procession of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in one of the largest public displays since his death in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes earlier this year.
Crowds waving Iranian flags and carrying portraits of Khamenei lined a 10-kilometre route through the capital as coffins bearing the remains of the longtime leader and several members of his family slowly made their way through the city.
The procession is a central event in a week-long state funeral that Iranian authorities have described as the “funeral of the century,” with millions expected to attend ceremonies before Khamenei is laid to rest on Thursday in the northeastern city of Mashhad.
Observers say the highly choreographed ceremony is intended to project national unity and resilience at a time of heightened regional tensions. Red flags symbolizing vengeance were visible throughout the procession, while some mourners displayed anti-U.S. and anti-President Donald Trump messages.
Khamenei, who ruled Iran for more than 35 years, was killed in February during U.S.-Israeli airstrikes. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been named his successor but has yet to make a public appearance since assuming the role and has not attended the funeral events.
The funeral comes as a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States remains in place while negotiations continue over a possible long-term peace agreement.
