Millions mourn Iran's Supreme Leader as funeral procession fills Tehran

Millions of mourners dressed in black flooded Tehran on Monday for the funeral procession of Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike in February. The massive turnout, encouraged by Iran's theocracy, underscores the nation's grief and defiance amid ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

Khamenei's flag-draped coffin, along with those of family members killed in the same airstrike, was carried on a truck decorated to resemble the grating around an imam's shrine. The procession moved from Azadi Square along a multi-lane highway, with crowds stretching for kilometres. Helicopter images aired on state television showed a sea of people, appearing larger than the 2020 funeral for Qassem Soleimani, which drew over one million.

While authorities did not provide an official crowd count, mourners carried placards and banners, some calling for the death of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Chants and signs of revenge were common, though federal authorities in the US have tracked Iranian threats against Trump for years.

“Today is a very tough day,” said mourner Fatima Hassan. “We are here for revenge, and we will take revenge.” Another mourner, Sahar Zaraatgar, said, “We are here to show that his path will continue, and soon we will avenge his death against the US and Israel.”

Despite the heated rhetoric, negotiations between Iran and the US over a permanent end to the war remain on hold until after Khamenei's burial. The talks aim to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, roll back Iran's nuclear programme, and secure a lasting peace.

Authorities urged the crowd to walk slowly and avoid pushing. Firetrucks sprayed water to cool mourners in the heat. The coffins were scheduled to travel for 12 hours to Mehrabad Airport before being taken to Mashhad for burial at the Imam Reza shrine, Khamenei's birthplace. The mourning period began Saturday and ends Thursday.

“This is the last time I am seeing him,” said Maryam Alizadeh, weeping. “Our generation lived with him for decades.”