Lead

Millions of people filled the streets of Tehran on Saturday for the funeral procession of Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike at the outset of the war with the United States and Israel. The massive turnout, encouraged by Iranian authorities, is seen as a display of the country's continued strength and unity as negotiations on a permanent end to the war are underway, according to Deutsche Welle.

The procession, which began in Tehran's Azadi Square, stretched for kilometers along the avenue, with the coffins of Khamenei and several family members carried on a truck adorned with ornamental grating typically used around an imam's shrine. Iranian state television showed aerial footage of the crowd, which extended from the iconic square down the street bearing the same name.

Coverage Comparison

Deutsche Welle reported that Khamenei, who was 86, and several relatives were killed in missile strikes on his residential and working compound in central Tehran on February 28, the first day of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The report noted that several family members, including his daughter and two grandchildren, were reportedly killed. Satellite images show significant destruction at the site, but it remains unclear whether bodies have been recovered and in what condition.

The funeral, originally planned for early March, was delayed due to the conflict and is now scheduled to run as a six-day event starting Saturday. Iranian authorities announced the ceremonies only after a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran came into effect. Acting Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani said the ceremonies would be "the largest assembly in the history of the capital," according to Iranian media.

In a separate report, Deutsche Welle provided an analytical look at Khamenei's 37-year rule, describing his governance as marked by micromanagement, intervention in almost all areas of state affairs, and an approach of making no concessions to opponents—whether regime critics or reformists within the system. The analysis also touched on domestic unrest and protests during his tenure, as well as Iran's regional influence and foreign policy continuity.

Key Claims

  • Khamenei was killed in an airstrike on February 28, at age 86, along with several members of his family. The attack was launched by the US and Israel, marking the start of the war.
  • Millions attended the funeral procession in Tehran, according to Iranian state television and officials.
  • New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was absent from the ceremonies, reportedly due to being badly wounded in the airstrike.
  • Many participants carried placards and banners calling for the death of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
  • US-Iran talks on ending the war are on hold until after the funeral events conclude.
  • Khamenei's 37-year rule was characterized by pronounced micromanagement and a refusal to make concessions to opponents.
  • The war has reinforced a sense among many Iranians that they cannot rely on outside help, deepening disillusionment, particularly among younger people.
The six-day event, intended to "strengthen national cohesion and unity" across political, social, and religious groups, according to organizing committee head Ali-Akbar Purdjamschidian, will include three official days of mourning in Tehran, with businesses closed and work suspended. Khamenei is to be buried on July 9 in Mashhad, his birthplace, with a funeral procession also expected to pass through Iraq, including holy cities, a day earlier.