Millions of mourners gathered across Iran as the state funeral for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei entered its second day, with authorities portraying the massive turnout as a demonstration of national unity and resilience following his death in a joint US-Israeli air strike on February 28.
Crowds filled Tehran’s Grand Mosalla prayer complex, where mourners chanted anti-US and anti-Israel slogans and called for revenge over Khamenei’s killing. Iranian officials have presented the funeral as a symbol of continuity, insisting that the country’s political and military institutions remain intact despite the loss of the longtime leader.
The weeklong funeral ceremonies are expected to continue through several Iranian and Iraqi cities before concluding with Khamenei’s burial in his hometown of Mashhad on Thursday. Authorities expect millions to participate in the processions, making it one of the largest state funerals in Iran’s history.
US President Donald Trump said neither side would launch attacks during the funeral proceedings and indicated that diplomatic contacts with Iran would resume after the ceremonies, raising cautious hopes for renewed negotiations following months of conflict.
Despite the temporary pause, violence persisted elsewhere in the region. Israeli forces continued military operations in Lebanon and Gaza, with fresh strikes reported in southern Lebanon and in Gaza City and the Jabalia refugee camp.
Meanwhile, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accused Israel of undermining the recent memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, saying Türkiye was prepared to support efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
