30 Million Mourners: Iran’s Six-Day Funeral for Khamenei Begins

Up to 30 million people are expected to attend the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in February by the first airstrike of the war with the US and Israel. Huge crowds gathered in Tehran on Saturday as the gates of the Grand Mosalla mosque opened to thousands of mourners who had waited through the night. By 5:30 a.m., streets around the mosque were full. Many Iranians traveled for hours, carrying flags and posters of Khamenei. The six-day event is designed to emphasize the country’s sense of loss and desire for revenge. Mourners chanted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” as emotions filled the air. Khamenei’s 37-year reign ended when a US-Israeli strike targeted him at the start of the conflict. The funeral processions are a key moment for Iran to show unity and grief.