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More than 10,000 people gathered in Tehran's Engelab (Revolution) Square on July 4 to honor the memory of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to a TASS correspondent report. Participants chanted slogans in support of the authorities and expressed confidence that relations between Russia and Iran will continue to develop.

Coverage Comparison

Two reports from TASS — English covered the rally and the ongoing funeral ceremonies. The first report, filed July 4, focused on the rally itself, describing the crowd, the slogans, and the display of Iranian flags and portraits. The second, filed July 5, centered on statements from participants about the future of Russia-Iran relations and provided details about the funeral schedule.

Key Claims

  • Over 10,000 people gathered for a rally in Engelab Square, chanting slogans such as "Allah is Great! Khamenei is the leader! Death to America! Death to Israel!" according to a TASS correspondent.
  • Thousands of Iranian flags and portraits of Ali Khamenei and current leader Mojtaba Khamenei were displayed in the square, as reported by TASS.
  • A monument in the form of a clenched fist, symbolizing the steadfastness of the Iranian people, was present in the square.
  • Similar rallies took place in other major squares of Tehran and in other cities, as reported by TASS.
Participants expressed confidence in the continuation of Russia-Iran relations. Musician and conductor Mohsen Kuhestani Nezhad, who participates in the funeral processions, told TASS: "I am sure that we will have very good relations in the political, military and security spheres and that we will support each other, strengthening mutual potential." He noted that Russia and Iran share cultural points of contact, saying, "You have Tolstoy, we have Firdowsi. Great, original cultures." Another participant said that the late Ali Khamenei always advocated for the expansion of relations between Moscow and Tehran, adding, "I am sure that this will continue."

TASS also reported on the funeral arrangements. The funeral of Ali Khamenei began on July 3 in Tehran and was attended by high-ranking delegations from at least 100 countries. From July 4 to July 5, the body lies in the Mosalla of Tehran, the largest religious and public complex in the Iranian capital, where the public can pay respects. On July 6, a funeral procession will walk along the main streets of Tehran, after which the body will be taken to Qom, where ceremonies will take place on July 7. On July 8, the body will be sent to Iraq, where farewell ceremonies will be organized for local Shiite Muslims in Karbala and Najaf.