Iran Holds Funeral Procession for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran

Iran on Monday began a funeral procession in the capital, Tehran, for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with thousands of mourners gathering to pay their final respects.

Khamenei's flag-draped coffin, along with those of family members killed in a February 28 airstrike during the conflict involving Israel and the United States, was placed on a truck and carried through the streets of Tehran before being transported to Mehrabad International Airport.

Iranian authorities have organized a large-scale public ceremony, hoping for a strong turnout to demonstrate public support for the country's leadership. State television confirmed that the funeral procession had officially begun.

The government has imposed extensive security measures, including road closures, airspace restrictions and the suspension of normal daily activities during the mourning period, which started on Saturday and will continue until Thursday. Khamenei, who died at the age of 86, is scheduled to be buried at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran remain on hold until after the funeral. Washington has been pursuing negotiations with Tehran focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, addressing Iran's disputed nuclear programme and seeking a lasting end to the conflict.

As the mourning ceremonies continue, some participants have voiced calls for retaliation over Khamenei's death. Demonstrators carried signs directed against US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding revenge.

US authorities have for years monitored reported threats from Iran against Trump and other American officials, particularly following the 2020 US strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Iran has consistently denied allegations that it has plotted to assassinate Trump, although anti-US rhetoric has remained prominent in hard-line political messaging.

During the recent conflict, Trump also issued strong warnings against Iran, including threats targeting the country's leadership and infrastructure.

Speaking during Monday's funeral procession, mourner Fatima Hassan said the gathering was not only to honour the late leader but also reflected the desire among many supporters to seek revenge for his death.