Iran mourns Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after assassination

Images emerging from Tehran show tens of thousands of mourners dressed in black gathering at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla for the funeral and lying‑in‑state ceremony of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country’s Supreme Leader. The massive turnout underscores the deep reverence that many Iranians hold for the figure who has guided the nation since 1989.

The ceremony, held in the nation’s largest mosque, follows a day of solemn processions and prayers that have drawn people from across the country. Officials reported that the event was conducted with strict security measures, and the Supreme Leader’s body was placed in a simple, white casket before being laid in state for public viewing. The gathering reflects both the cultural importance of mourning rituals in Iran and the political significance of Khamenei’s leadership.

As the funeral proceedings continue, Iranian authorities have urged the public to respect the solemnity of the occasion. The event is expected to conclude with a final burial ceremony later in the week, marking the end of a period of national mourning for one of the country’s most enduring political figures.