Key facts
- Weeklong funeral ceremonies for Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have commenced in Tehran.
- Khamenei died in February from airstrikes attributed to Israel and the U.S.
- Mourners gathered at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, with some chanting for revenge.
- His coffin, draped with the Iranian flag, was placed alongside those of four slain family members.
- The body is scheduled for burial on Thursday in Mashhad after visits to Shiite centers in Iran and Iraq.
Mourners gathered at a vast prayer complex in Tehran on Saturday for the start of weeklong funeral ceremonies for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei's 37-year reign concluded in February following airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel. The ceremonies are intended to demonstrate public devotion to the Islamic republic.
Television footage showed Khamenei's coffin, draped with the Iranian flag and topped with his black turban, placed on a large black platform resembling the Kaaba. The courtyard of the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla was filled with attendees, many waving flags and holding photographs of the deceased leader. State broadcaster Seda va Sima reported chants of 'Death to America' and 'Our slogan is one word: Revenge, revenge,' along with 'We will kill, we will kill he who killed our Imam.'
Water misted from rooftops to cool the crowds in the summer heat. Khamenei's coffin is scheduled to remain at the Mosalla until Sunday evening. His body is expected to be transported to Qom, Najaf, and Kerbala, significant Shiite centers in Iran and Iraq, before his final burial on Thursday in Mashhad, home to a major Shiite shrine.
The coffin was unveiled late Thursday to sobbing supporters. On Friday, it was laid in state in a prayer hall honoring his predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Authorities are mobilizing millions for large processions in the coming days, providing transportation, food, and lodging to ensure high attendance. Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is reportedly the new supreme leader, has not been seen in recent images since being wounded in the strike that killed his father.