Since the early hours of the morning, a vast gathering of people, carrying Iranian flags and images of Ali Khamenei, assembled at the Grand Mosque of Mosalla in Tehran. The objective was to pay final respects to the figure who led the country for over 36 years and who passed away on February 28 after being hit in an attack that occurred on the first day of the war involving Israel and the United States.
Religious ceremony and demonstrations
The funeral prayer for Khamenei and the four family members who died in the attacks was conducted by 'Ayatollah' Yafar Sobhani, one of the most prominent Shia religious figures in the country. During the event, participants were incited to cry out for 'death to the United States' and 'death to Israel.'
Attendees and atmosphere of mourning
Various authorities were also present at the ceremony, including the Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, the Speaker of Parliament, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and the head of the Judiciary, Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei. The three sons of the deceased Supreme Leader, Mostafa, Masoud, and Meisam, also attended, which highlighted the notable absence of his second son and potential successor, Mojtaba.
Shouts of retaliation echoed intensely at the venue, with participants shouting in unison: 'Our only slogan: revenge, revenge!'. Among the crowd, a portrait of US President Donald Trump drew attention, targeted by a machine gun inscribed with 'Blood will be shed.'
Details of the funeral rites
With the massive presence of devotees, Iranian media reported that the main hall of the mosque was closed to the public. The funeral ceremonies began on Friday with an official tribute, featuring the participation of high national officials, as well as international authorities and delegations.
On Saturday, the first day of public rituals took place, which will continue at Mosalla until 8:00 PM (5:30 PM in Lisbon) today. The funeral procession will proceed through the streets of the Iranian capital on Monday, before being transported to the city of Qom on Tuesday. For Wednesday, funeral ceremonies are scheduled in Iraq, and Khamenei's burial is planned for Thursday in the holy city of Mashhad, located in northeastern Iran.
