**Iranians Gather for Week-Long Funeral Rites for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei**
Tehran, Iran – Thousands of mourners filled the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran on Saturday as the week-long funeral ceremonies for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei commenced. The ceremonies began with the Iranian national anthem, followed by religious eulogies and readings from the Koran, marking the start of a significant period of mourning for the nation.
Khamenei, who led Iran for 37 years, passed away in February following an airstrike attributed to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel. His death has prompted mass funeral processions throughout the country, reflecting public devotion to the Islamic Republic and its theocratic governance.
The coffin of Khamenei, draped in the Iranian flag and adorned with his black turban, was prominently displayed on a large black platform resembling the Kaaba, the sacred structure at the center of Islam's holiest site in Mecca. Alongside Khamenei's coffin were four other coffins representing slain family members, underscoring the personal and national tragedy felt by many Iranians.
As mourners gathered in the vast courtyard of the Mosalla, they waved Iranian flags and carried photographs of Khamenei, demonstrating their respect and sorrow. State broadcaster Seda va Sima reported that chants of “Death to America” resonated throughout the venue, alongside calls for revenge against those perceived to be responsible for Khamenei's death. The atmosphere was charged with emotion, as mourners swayed and beat their heads in unison to lamentations sung in honor of the late leader.
To provide relief from the summer heat, water mist was sprayed from rooftops to cool the crowd. Khamenei's coffin is set to remain in the Mosalla until Sunday evening, after which it will embark on a journey to significant Shi’ite centers in Qom, Najaf, and Kerbala. The final resting place for Khamenei is scheduled to be in Mashhad, home to Iran's most revered pilgrimage shrine, where he will be laid to rest on Thursday.
The unveiling of Khamenei's coffin on Thursday drew large crowds of grieving supporters, many of whom were visibly emotional, swaying and throwing flowers onto the bier. The day following the unveiling, the coffin was laid in state within the great prayer hall built in honor of Khamenei's predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
Authorities have announced plans to mobilize millions of people for the upcoming processions, providing transport, food, and lodging to encourage attendance. The new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is also the late leader's son, has not been publicly seen since sustaining injuries in the airstrike that claimed his father's life.
The funeral rites for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei not only mark the end of an era in Iranian politics but also highlight the deep emotional and political currents that continue to shape the Islamic Republic. As the nation mourns, the future direction of Iran remains uncertain, with many watching closely how the transition of power will unfold in the coming days.