- Ali Khamenei was assassinated in a late February airstrike, leading to a six-day funeral in Iran.
- On the fourth day of mourning, millions gathered in Tehran, marking the largest crowds yet for the funeral.
- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran’s former president, made a rare public appearance at the funeral, having been presumed dead earlier in the conflict.
- Mojtaba Khamenei, the current Supreme Leader, has remained absent throughout the funeral ceremonies, raising concerns about his health and safety.
- The funeral procession has drawn expressions of grief, anger, and calls for vengeance from attendees.
- Vengeful chants against US President Donald Trump were heard during the procession, reflecting the sentiments of the mourners.
- The absence of Mojtaba Khamenei has sparked rumors and concerns regarding the leadership's stability and security in Iran.
The funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has drawn millions to Tehran, marking one of the largest gatherings in the nation's history. Ahmadinejad's unexpected appearance reignited discussions about leadership and national identity. Mourners expressed their grief and anger, chanting, "We the people are Iran’s true missiles" as they called for revenge against the U.S. and Israel.1
The atmosphere was charged with emotion, as families and individuals from all walks of life participated in the procession. Fatima Zadeh, a participant, stated, "I want the war to restart, we want to destroy the oppressors and we are after revenge". The event highlighted the deep-seated sentiments of defiance and unity among the Iranian populace, with many believing that their strength has only increased amid ongoing conflict.
Despite the massive turnout, the absence of current Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei raised eyebrows. He has not been seen since the airstrike that killed his father, leading to speculation about his health and safety. Negar Mortazavi, a political analyst, remarked, "They can’t hide him forever", emphasizing the unusual nature of his absence.47
As the funeral procession continues, it is expected to travel through various cities in Iran and into Iraq, culminating in a final resting place in Mashhad. The government anticipates that millions will participate in this historic event, reflecting the profound impact of Khamenei's leadership on the nation.
“Mourners chanted 'death to America, death to Israel' and participated in a symbolic stoning of US President Donald Trump. The government expects several million to attend the funeral, as current Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's absence since the airstrike that killed his father has sparked rumours about his condition and stoked public insecurity.”
The Guardian
