Iran began a dayslong funeral Saturday for its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died at the age of 86. The ceremonies commenced with gatherings in Tehran and are expected to draw millions of mourners over the next three days.
The late supreme leader was killed in an airstrike months prior, coinciding with the start of a US-Israeli campaign against Iran, according to multiple reports [pbs_newshour, npr, independent_uk, dw, france24]. Some sources specify he died in February [nypost, hindustan_times]. Authorities unveiled his casket in a glass case for weeping mourners [the_hindu].
The country’s theocracy anticipates millions will participate in the funeral processions in the capital, reminiscent of the 1989 burial of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini [npr, middle_east_eye]. Dignitaries from over 100 nations are expected to pay their respects [financial_times]. Russia's Medvedev, Pakistan’s prime minister and Taliban officials are among approximately 30 country delegations attending the event [euronews].
The funeral is being viewed by some as a demonstration of strength for Iran. The Economist reported that the regime hopes the ceremonies will demonstrate its strength and reveal how much it has already changed.
Channel4 News spoke with Iranian American journalist Negar Mortazavi, a senior fellow at the Centre for International Policy, who described the funeral as a “show of defiance and strength.” Other reports highlight divisions within Iran surrounding the event [channel4_news]. Thousands gathered in Tehran to pay their final respects [scmp, straits_times].
During the farewell ceremony, Bagher Ghalibaf and Abbas Araghchi were observed breaking down in tears [ndtv]. The New York Post reported that Khamenei’s pursuit of nuclear weapons contributed to the outbreak of war. Former US President Donald Trump reportedly took a swipe at Iran, noting the country had taken a week off for the funeral [nypost, times_of_india].
The Hindustan Times reported on which representatives from India attended the funeral.
No right-leaning sources reported on this story.
Read the original coverage
💬 Comments
📜 Comment Policy