Lead

Iran has begun a six-day funeral for former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli strike in February. The ceremony, expected to draw millions, features public calls for retribution against Donald Trump and highlights regional tensions, including US sanctions and inflammatory rhetoric.

The funeral of former Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei began on Saturday at the Grand Mosalla mosque in central Tehran, with thousands of mourners entering the grounds after waiting through the night, according to The Guardian. The six-day ceremony, which will culminate with burial in Mashhad on Thursday, is intended to serve as an epic display of personal mourning, national power, resilience, and social cohesion, the newspaper reported.

Khamenei was killed on February 28, the first day of the US-Israeli war against Iran, along with other members of his family, including his 14-month-old granddaughter. The funeral has been conceived to relay political and religious messages of resistance to the rest of the world, and at the request of Iraqi politicians, his body will also be carried through the Iraqi Shia cities of Kerbala and Najaf.

Coverage Comparison

The Guardian’s reporting across multiple articles consistently describes the funeral as a demonstration of Iran’s resolve and unity in the aftermath of Khamenei’s assassination. The coverage emphasizes the scale of the event, with one report noting that as many as 30 million people may attend, and another describing the atmosphere in Tehran as one of deep religiosity and patriotism.

While some articles adopt a neutral tone, focusing on logistical details and the attendance of senior officials, others frame the funeral as a direct rebuke to the Trump administration. One report quotes the al-Quds force commander and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps chief appearing in full view, suggesting confidence that a US-agreed ceasefire precludes attacks on the ceremony. Another article highlights the foreign ministry spokesperson’s claim that the world is witnessing a turning point in Shia Islam, with Khamenei to be revered as a second Imam Hussain.

All articles attribute Khamenei’s death to the opening salvo of the US-Israeli attack on Iran. They also note the absence of Khamenei’s son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, who was severely injured in the same strike that killed his father, wife, and 14-month-old daughter.

Key Claims

  • Funeral commencement and scale: The funeral began at the Grand Mosalla mosque in central Tehran, with thousands of mourners gathering by early morning. Reports suggest the event could draw millions, with one article citing up to 30 million attendees.
  • Cause of death: Khamenei was killed on February 28, the first day of the US-Israeli war against Iran. Multiple reports describe the strike as targeting a government residence in Tehran.
  • Mourner reactions: Public calls for the killing of Donald Trump were reported during the ceremony. A poet, Mohammad Rasouli, was quoted as saying: "I swear by your blood; Trump’s murder is our responsibility. Why is the most bastard man in the world still alive? … Why should we not kill the man who killed our imam? It would be a disgrace if we did not."
  • Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence: The son and successor of Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba, is not expected to appear at the funeral. He was severely injured in the same strike and has only issued written statements. Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, has threatened to kill him.
  • US-Iran tensions: Donald Trump described Iranians as "garbage", "cancer", "devils", and "scum" at a Nato summit, according to The Guardian. The US also revoked its sanctions waiver on Iran’s oil exports, only 17 days after its introduction.
  • Official statements: Iran’s first vice-president, Mohammad Reza Aref, called the funeral "the most important event of this century" and the most attended event since the 1979 revolution.

Perspectives

Iranian government

Iranian officials, including foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, frame the funeral as a demonstration of Iran’s resilience and independence. Baghaei claimed the world is witnessing a turning point in Shia Islam, portraying Iran as the victim of an epochal struggle.

US administration

Donald Trump’s inflammatory remarks about Iranians and his administration’s decision to revoke the sanctions waiver reflect a confrontational stance, suggesting that diplomatic engagement is unlikely in the near term.