Tehran: Iran’s week-long funeral ceremonies for slain former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were marked by chants of “Death to America,” “Death to Israel,” and “Kill Trump,” as thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran to pay their respects and demand retaliation against the United States and Israel.
The funeral, delayed due to the Iran–Israel conflict that erupted on February 28, drew massive crowds carrying Iranian flags, portraits of Khamenei and red flags symbolizing revenge. The event was projected by Iranian authorities as a display of national unity and resistance.
Funeral Marked by Revenge Chants
The ceremony featured repeated calls for vengeance. During a poetry recital, poet Mohammad Rasouli declared that avenging Khamenei’s death was a responsibility, with an English-language message displayed near the coffin reading, “Kill Trump.”
Crowds repeatedly chanted, “No compromise, no surrender, only revenge,” alongside slogans targeting the US and Israel.
Senior Leaders Attend, Mojtaba Absent
Most of Iran’s top political and military leaders attended the prayers, including senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). However, newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was absent.
Officials said Mojtaba was recovering from injuries sustained during the conflict and denied reports circulating online about permanent injuries.
The funeral also included prayers for four members of Khamenei’s family who were killed in the Israeli strike, including his 14-month-old granddaughter.
Crowds Defy Heat
Despite temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius, mourners filled Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla before dawn. Many wore white burial shrouds, symbolizing their willingness to die as martyrs.
Authorities did not release official attendance figures, though Iranian media claimed millions had participated in the ceremonies. Khamenei’s body will next be taken to Qom, followed by processions in Iraq, before his burial in Mashhad.
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