Millions Gather in Tehran for Funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei
Millions of people are expected to attend funeral ceremonies across Iran and Iraq until July 9 for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed along with members of his family in a strike on his compound on February 28. Authorities are preparing for large crowds as funeral ceremonies begin across the country.
Iranian officials have put emergency plans in place amid concerns that the scale of the gatherings could lead to casualties. A report by Germany's Die Welt, citing a classified document, said authorities are preparing for a possible death toll of between 1,500 and 3,000 during the processions due to overcrowding or related incidents.
Iran has begun six days of public funeral ceremonies, with events starting in Tehran and later moving to Iraq before burial. Officials expect between 15 and 20 million people to attend in Tehran alone over the next three days. Meanwhile, Israel has continued strikes in southern Lebanon, saying it is targeting Hezbollah infrastructure despite a framework agreement reached last month to end hostilities.
The late supreme leader's successor, his son Mojtaba Khamenei, has not yet made a public appearance, adding to doubts about his health and fueling questions over who is leading the nation. Over 10 million people and delegates from 100 countries are expected at the funeral.
Funeral prayers for Khamenei and four members of his family were held in Tehran at the Imam Khomeini Grand Musalla, where his body had been lying in state since Saturday. According to the Tasnim news agency, the capacity of the main courtyard was filled hours before the start of the congregational prayer.
Huge crowds poured into Tehran for the ceremonies. Mourners visited Khamenei's coffin, with some chanting political slogans. US President Donald Trump said that 'neither side will shoot the other' during the funeral proceedings and that talks with Iran will resume once ceremonies conclude. Israeli forces continued attacks on Lebanon, killing at least one person in the south.
