Thousands of Iranians gathered in Tehran on Saturday to bid a final farewell to the country’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with mourners expressing grief and anger during funeral ceremonies marked by chants demanding retaliation for his killing.
The funeral, held at the Grand Mosalla prayer complex in the Iranian capital, attracted large crowds who arrived carrying Iranian and red flags, the latter symbolising calls for revenge in Shiite tradition.
Many mourners also displayed portraits of the late leader and his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei.
Khamenei, who led Iran for more than three decades, was killed at the age of 86 during coordinated military strikes launched by the United States and Israel in late February.
The attack triggered a wider regional conflict that spread across the Middle East.
His coffin, draped in the Iranian national flag, was placed on a raised platform alongside the coffins of members of his family, who also died in the attack.
Quranic recitations and religious tributes accompanied the ceremony as thousands filed past to pay their final respects.
The atmosphere was emotionally charged, with mourners chanting slogans calling for justice and vowing not to forget the late leader’s death.
Many described his killing as a sacrifice for the nation and pledged continued loyalty to Iran’s leadership.
Security was tightened around the venue as authorities managed the large turnout.
With temperatures rising into the mid-30s Celsius, volunteers distributed water and refreshments to mourners, while many attendees walked long distances after traffic restrictions were imposed across parts of Tehran.
Representatives from several countries had attended memorial events held a day earlier, reflecting Khamenei’s influence beyond Iran’s borders.
The funeral comes as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent renewed fighting in the region.
Although the United States and Iran reached a preliminary agreement last month aimed at ending the conflict, negotiations toward a permanent peace deal remain ongoing, with occasional exchanges of fire still reported.
The ceremony marked the end of an era in Iranian politics, while highlighting the deep emotions and uncertainty surrounding the country’s future leadership and the broader security situation in the Middle East.
