TEHRAN: Iran on Monday began a funeral procession in Tehran for its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as authorities sought to demonstrate public support for the country’s leadership following his death.
Khamenei’s flag-draped coffin, along with the coffins of family members killed in a February 28 airstrike during the conflict involving Israel and the United States, was transported through the streets of the capital toward Mehrabad International Airport.
Iranian state television confirmed that the procession had begun, with the government expecting large crowds to attend the ceremonies across Tehran.
Authorities have closed major roads, restricted airspace and suspended normal daily activities during the mourning period, which began on Saturday and will continue until Thursday. Khamenei, 86, is scheduled to be buried at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran remain on hold until after the funeral. The two sides have been engaged in negotiations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, addressing Iran’s disputed nuclear programme and seeking a permanent end to the recent conflict.
The funeral ceremonies have also been marked by calls from some mourners for retaliation following Khamenei’s death. Some participants displayed signs and chanted slogans threatening US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
US authorities have previously said they have monitored alleged Iranian threats against Trump and other officials since the 2020 killing of Qassem Soleimani, who led Iran’s Quds Force. Iran has repeatedly denied plotting to assassinate Trump.
Speaking during the procession, one mourner said those gathered were not there to say goodbye, but to seek revenge for the late supreme leader’s death.
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