TEHRAN—Iran began a dayslong state funeral on Saturday for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with large crowds gathering in the capital to pay their respects nearly four months after he was killed in an airstrike at the start of the war involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
State television showed Khamenei's flag-draped coffin displayed in a glass case at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla prayer complex as mourners dressed in black filed past, many beating their chests in keeping with Shi'ite mourning traditions. Crowds chanted slogans including "Death to America" and "Death to Israel," while others called for revenge over the killing.
Iranian authorities said the funeral ceremonies will continue over several days with processions planned in multiple cities before Khamenei is buried in the northeastern city of Mashhad. Organizers said they expect millions of people to participate during the mourning period, though independent verification of attendance figures was not immediately available.
The funeral marks one of the Islamic Republic's largest public events in decades and comes as Iran's leadership seeks to project stability following the conflict that claimed Khamenei's life. State media gave extensive coverage to the ceremonies, showing senior political, military and religious officials attending alongside foreign dignitaries.
Khamenei, who led Iran for more than three decades, was killed on Feb. 28 in what Iranian authorities described as a joint U.S.-Israeli strike at the outset of the conflict. Washington and Jerusalem have previously acknowledged military operations against Iranian targets during the war, though the circumstances surrounding Khamenei's death remain part of the broader conflict between the countries.
The ceremonies also highlighted divisions that have persisted inside Iran. While state media emphasized the scale of public mourning, some analysts noted that the government is using the funeral to reinforce national unity after years of political unrest and economic strain.
Authorities closed major roads around central Tehran and deployed extensive security measures to manage the crowds, while volunteers distributed water and cold drinks amid summer temperatures.
According to the official schedule announced by Iranian authorities, funeral rites will continue through next week with ceremonies in several Iranian cities before concluding with Khamenei's burial in Mashhad.
