Arabic version: حضور جماهيري ضخم في جنازة الزعيم الأعلى الإيراني خامنئي

The funeral procession for Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is under way in Tehran, drawing large crowds of mourners. Authorities have hailed the government’s resilience during the United States-Israel war on Iran and promised vengeance for Khamenei’s assassination.

After lying in state for two days at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla religious complex, Khamenei’s body began a 12-hour journey through the capital. Mourners gathered in Imam Hussein Square, where they hanged an effigy of former US President Donald Trump and carried placards featuring US and Israeli leaders with aggressive messages.

The 86-year-old Khamenei was killed in an air strike on February 28, the first day of the war. Thousands attended the ceremonies, which have included tributes to Khamenei’s family members who were also killed in the attack. Iran’s authorities are using the weeklong mourning period to promote the nation’s resilience and unity.

Iran’s army chief, Major General Amir Hatami, pledged to never abandon a quest for justice for Khamenei’s death. The ongoing ceasefire with the US has not diminished the rhetoric surrounding vengeance, with officials stating that military action could resume if necessary.

The funeral events will continue in the clerical hub of Qom and in Iraq’s holy cities before culminating with Khamenei’s burial in his hometown of Mashhad. Notably absent from the ceremonies are former Iranian presidents who had a contentious relationship with Khamenei, suggesting underlying political tensions within the nation.

According to Al Jazeera, the atmosphere remains charged with calls for justice and national unity as Iran navigates this significant transition in leadership.