Hundreds of mourners gathered in Iran to mourn the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressing calls for “revenge” following his death in an airstrike. The funeral, coinciding with America’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, featured chants of “Death to America” from the crowd in Tehran.
The funeral, which took place today, honored the 86-year-old leader who had ruled Iran for decades before his death in February during an airstrike at the start of the war. The event, attended by a grieving crowd, may serve as a rallying point for the nation under the new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
Mourners, emotional at the sight of Khamenei’s coffin alongside his family members also killed in the airstrike, expressed their desire for revenge and unity. The atmosphere was somber, with chants, banners, and images of Khamenei adorning the city. The mourning included traditional practices like rhythmic chest-beating in honor of the deceased.
One mourner, Masoumeh Mohammadi, expressed deep grief, stating, “Imam Khamenei was our heart, our father, our everything. We will not rest until we avenge his death.” The funeral setup mirrored Khamenei’s past speeches, emphasizing his legacy and influence.
Despite the chaotic scenes during the funeral procession, which saw millions in attendance, the preparations were extensive due to the significance of Khamenei’s death, marking only the second time Iran has lost a supreme leader since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The event also highlighted the lineage of Khamenei, with his black turban symbolizing his direct descent from the Prophet Muhammad.
Among the deceased family members was the wife of Mojtaba Khamenei, whose presence at the funeral remained uncertain. The mourning ceremony attracted attendees from various regions, reflecting a commitment to defending the country and its values.
Notably, some attendees displayed a large flag with the message “#KillTrump,” reflecting ongoing tensions. As the funeral progressed, Iran’s chief negotiator criticized a joint statement from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron regarding military readiness in the Strait of Hormuz.
For the latest news updates, make Daily Mirror your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News.