Iran commenced a procession through its capital, Tehran, on Monday for the funeral of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Khamenei’s flag-draped coffin, along with those of his family members killed February 28 in an airstrike initiated by Israel and the United States, was transported on a truck. Authorities decorated the truck's side to resemble the ornamental grating surrounding an imam's shrine.
The truck moved slowly through crowds of mourners dressed in black, some reaching out to touch the grating. Others threw scarves and other items for attendants to brush against the coffin, a common Iranian practice regarded as a blessing. Attendants sprayed misted water over the crowds to provide cooling relief during the summer temperatures.
Revolutionary Guard Gen. Hasan Hasanzsdeh, who is supervising the procession, stated that the coffins will travel through Tehran's streets en route to Mehrabad International Airport over a 12-hour journey.
Iran’s theocracy intends for large crowds to attend the ceremony across the city to demonstrate popular support for the government. Already, tens of thousands have assembled in Tehran squares, waving flags and banners honoring Khamenei.
Authorities have restricted streets, airspace, and daily activities due to the mourning period, which began Saturday and is scheduled to conclude Thursday as 86-year-old Khamenei is interred at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace.
Meanwhile, the U.S. continues negotiations with Iran focused on fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz, reversing its disputed nuclear program, and achieving a permanent end to the war. These talks appear paused until after the burial.
However, as the funeral has proceeded, there have been increasing threats from mourners demanding vengeance for Khamenei’s death. Mourners and their signs have called for the killing of both U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Such signs were visible again Monday along the procession route, including one effigy of Trump that was hanged.
U.S. federal authorities have monitored Iranian threats against Trump and other administration officials for years, stemming from Trump's order for the 2020 killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who led the elite Quds Force. Iran has repeatedly denied planning to kill Trump, although hard-line propaganda footage has long suggested Trump was a target in Tehran.
Trump had previously threatened to destroy Iran’s civilization during the war, among other threats.
Mourner Fatima Hassan stated on Monday morning, “Today that we are here for the funeral for our leader, it’s a very tough day. We are not here to say goodbye to him, we are here for revenge. And we will take revenge.”