Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran
Tehran, Jul 6: Iran on Monday began a funeral procession in Tehran for slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with thousands of mourners gathering across the capital as authorities tightened security and suspended normal public activity.
Khamenei's flag-draped coffin, along with those of members of his family who were killed in the Feb. 28 airstrike that marked the beginning of the conflict involving Israel and the United States, was placed on a specially decorated truck. The vehicle was designed to resemble the ornate grating surrounding the shrine of an imam.
According to Iranian authorities, the coffins will be taken through the streets of Tehran during a 12-hour procession before being transported to Mehrabad International Airport. The funeral rites, which began on Saturday, will conclude on Thursday with Khamenei's burial at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace.
Officials said the nationwide mourning period has led to the closure of major roads, suspension of air traffic and disruption of normal public activities in the capital.
Thousands of supporters gathered along the procession route, waving Iranian flags and banners in tribute to Khamenei. During the funeral, some mourners chanted anti-US and anti-Israel slogans, while others called for retaliation over his killing.
The funeral comes as diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States remain stalled. Talks aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, addressing Iran's disputed nuclear programme and securing a lasting end to the conflict are reportedly on hold until after the burial.
Meanwhile, some mourners displayed placards calling for the deaths of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
US authorities have for years monitored alleged threats from Iran against Trump and other American officials following the 2020 US drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Iran has repeatedly denied plotting to assassinate Trump, although tensions between the two countries have remained high.
Speaking during the procession, a mourner said the gathering was not only to pay tribute to Khamenei but also to seek revenge for his death, reflecting the heightened emotions surrounding the funeral ceremonies.