Millions Gather in Tehran for Funeral of Iran's Slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
TEHRAN — Millions are expected to assemble in the Iranian capital on Monday for the start of a six-day, five-city funeral procession for the country's former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in February during an airstrike by the United States and Israel, according to multiple reports.
The procession follows two days of public farewell ceremonies, during which mourners called for revenge against the US. Al Jazeera reported that "millions are expected" at the event, while The Guardian noted that "millions have assembled" for the funeral, which began with prayers at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla.
According to The Guardian, Khamenei was succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen or heard in public since his appointment in March, a fact widely attributed to security concerns. Three of the former leader's sons were present during the second day of the funeral and were seen praying behind the coffins of family members, The Guardian reported.
The funeral comes as regional tensions remain high. Israeli forces have launched air strikes on Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, despite a US-brokered agreement signed last month to end hostilities, Al Jazeera reported. The attacks on Gaza and Lebanon continue, according to both outlets.
In a development reported by The Times of Israel and referenced by The Guardian, Israel's defence minister, Israel Katz, warned that Iran's new leaders could meet the same fate as Khamenei. "Any Iranian leader who tries to push plans to destroy Israel again will also be thwarted," Katz said.
The coffins of Khamenei and family members killed in the strikes are expected to be taken to Mehrabad International Airport for transport to the next city in the funeral procession.
Coverage Comparison
Both Al Jazeera and The Guardian report the mass funeral and the ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon. The Guardian provides additional details on the new supreme leader's absence from public view and includes direct quotes from Israel's defence minister. Al Jazeera's coverage focuses on the funeral's scale and the continuing airstrikes, without mentioning Katz's warning.