Millions mourn slain former supreme leader of Iran in Tehran funeral
Tehran, Iran – Mourners clad in black have gathered in large numbers at Tehran's Grand Mosalla mosque, where the body of the former supreme leader of Iran lies in state ahead of his burial next Thursday in his hometown of Mashhad.
The former leader was killed more than four months ago in US and Israeli strikes at the start of the ongoing war, according to Iranian authorities. Millions are expected to participate in the funeral commemorations.
Nawal Al Maghafi, senior international correspondent for the BBC, is reporting from Tehran under restrictions imposed by Iranian authorities. The BBC is prohibited from using her material on its Persian Service, a condition applied to all international media organisations operating in the country.
The scale of the funeral reflects the deep influence the former leader held over Iran's political and religious landscape during his decades in power. His death has reshaped the regional dynamics, with the war continuing to escalate.
Security in Tehran remains tight as the processions continue. The government has called for national unity during the mourning period.
