Massive crowds filled Tehran's main boulevards for the funeral procession of Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. State media reported millions of mourners watched his flag-draped coffin travel a 10-kilometer route through the capital's Enghelab Square.
Khamenei was killed on February 28th in an Israeli air strike that also killed his wife and wounded his son, Mojtaba, who has since succeeded him. The procession, marking the end of three days of public mourning, moved from Imam Hossein Square to Azadi Square.
Mourners waved Iranian flags and red banners of vengeance. Some held placards calling for the death of U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose joint military operation triggered the recent war.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the strike, stating Khamenei was "eliminated" because he threatened Israel's existence. He warned any future Iranian leader pursuing similar plans would face the same fate.
The ceremonies occur amid a fragile truce. Iran and the U.S. signed a preliminary agreement to end the war and reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz three weeks ago. Mediators report "positive progress" on a final deal covering Iran's nuclear program and U.S. sanctions.
The farewell continues with prayers in Qom and processions in the Iraqi shrine cities of Karbala and Najaf, concluding with Khamenei's burial in his hometown of Mashhad on Thursday.