Millions join funeral procession for Khamenei in Iran

Tehran, July 6 (EFE).- Millions of Iranians joined the funeral procession for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Monday, chanting calls for vengeance over his killing on the first day of the war involving Iran, Israel and the United States on Feb. 28.

The procession began early in the morning on Damavand Avenue and passed through Imam Hosein and Enqelab squares before ending at the iconic Azadi Square, covering approximately 12 km across the capital from east to west.

The hearse carrying Khamenei’s coffin, along with those of four members of his family, later joined the procession from central Enqelab Square.

Large crowds lined the route and filled surrounding streets in one of the biggest public gatherings seen in Tehran in years, despite intense summer heat.

Participants carried Iranian flags, portraits of Khamenei and banners calling for vengeance, as well as posters demanding the deaths of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Some banners, written in Persian and English, read «Blood will spill,» while demonstrators chanted the familiar slogans «Death to America» and «Death to Israel.»

General Hasan Hasanzadeh, head of the ceremony’s organizing committee, said the procession was expected to last between 10 and 12 hours, according to the Tasnim news agency.

«We are not in any hurry to conclude the event. Our effort is for all the pilgrims who have come from different parts of the country to say goodbye and accompany our martyred imam, allowing them to fully participate in this spiritual atmosphere,» he said.

Iranian authorities have presented the public funeral ceremonies, which began on Saturday in Tehran, as a demonstration of national unity following Khamenei’s killing. He led the Islamic Republic for more than 36 years.

After Monday’s procession, the coffin will be taken to the city of Qom for another funeral procession on Tuesday. Vigils are scheduled to be held in Iraq on Wednesday.

Khamenei is set to be buried on Thursday in the northeastern holy city of Mashhad at the mausoleum of Imam Reza, the eighth Imam of Shia Muslims.

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