A week-long funeral procession has begun in Tehran for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after claims that he was killed in a joint US-Israeli airstrike several months ago. The reports have not been independently verified by international authorities.
State media described large public gatherings in the capital, where coffins said to contain Khamenei and members of his family were displayed during official ceremonies. Mourners were seen taking part in traditional expressions of grief, including chest-beating and chanting, as religious and state symbols were prominently displayed.
Officials said the funeral arrangements have been staged to reflect both national unity and religious significance, with black mourning flags and clerical symbols used throughout the procession.
The ceremony is expected to move through key Shiite religious centres in Iran and Iraq before concluding with burial in Mashhad later in the week, according to the planned schedule reported by state outlets.
His son Mojtaba was reportedly absent from public ceremonies, with officials citing security concerns. His absence has fuelled speculation about succession within Iran’s political and religious leadership.
Analysts say the highly choreographed proceedings appear aimed at reinforcing the authority of the clerical establishment at a time of continuing external pressure and domestic economic strain.
