US Israel Iran War Latest News: Iran’s week-long public farewell for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is approaching its final stage in Tehran. During funeral prayers at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, large crowds chanted “Death to America,” “Death to Israel,” and “Kill Trump and Bibi.”
The ceremony had been postponed because of the West Asia conflict that began on February 28. Thousands of mourners arrived carrying Iranian flags, portraits of Khamenei and red flags symbolising revenge. Iranian authorities described the gathering as a demonstration of the country’s resilience and determination to defend its independence. After the Tehran ceremony, Khamenei’s body will be taken in a mass procession before travelling to Qom, then to two holy cities in Iraq, and finally to Mashhad, where he was born in 1939.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Khamenei Funeral Echoes With ‘Kill Trump’ and ‘Death to America’ Chants
The funeral combined public mourning with repeated calls for revenge against the United States and Israel. Before the funeral prayers, poet Mohammad Rasouli declared, “From now on the shroud is our garment. I swear by your blood; Trump’s murder is our responsibility.” He also questioned why Donald Trump was still alive and said it would be a disgrace if those responsible for Khamenei’s death were not killed. While the remarks received mixed reactions, many people in the crowd applauded loudly. A message displayed near the coffins read, “Kill Trump.” Throughout the ceremony, mourners repeatedly chanted, “No compromise, no surrender, only revenge.”
US Israel Iran War Latest News:Â Khamenei Funeral Attended by Senior Iranian Leaders
The funeral prayers were led by 97-year-old Ayatollah Ja’far Sobhani of Qom. Prayers were also offered for four members of Khamenei’s family, including his daughter-in-law Zahra Haddad Adel and his 14-month-old granddaughter Zahra Mohammadi Golpaygani. The child’s small coffin became one of the ceremony’s most emotional moments.
Most of Iran’s senior political, military and judicial leaders attended the ceremony. Al-Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani and IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi were also present. However, Mojtaba Khamenei, who was appointed supreme leader 10 days after his father’s death, did not attend the funeral. His brothers Mustafa, Massoud and Meysam stood beside their father’s coffin. Officials said Mojtaba was injured during the attacks but denied reports that he had suffered permanent facial injuries or an amputation.
US Israel Iran War Latest News:Â Khamenei Funeral Highlights Iran’s Message of Resistance
Iran’s ambassador to Armenia, Khalil Shirgholami, said Khamenei’s death would not weaken the country’s ideals. Writing on X, he said, “You killed Ayatollah Khamenei, but in reality you broke a bottle of perfume, the fragrance of which has now spread everywhere.” National Security Council Secretary Mohammed Bagher Zolghadr said the large turnout sent two clear messages: continued resistance against Iran’s enemies and revenge for the slain leader.
US Israel Iran War Latest News:Â Khamenei Funeral Draws Massive Crowds Despite Scorching Heat
The Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, which can accommodate around 30,000 people, was filled before dawn despite temperatures rising above 36°C. Some mourners wore white burial shrouds, known as kaffan, to show their willingness to die as martyrs. Although officials did not release an official attendance figure, unofficial estimates claimed that more than two million people attended the opening day of the funeral ceremonies. Many visitors travelled from across Iran and stayed in schools, mosques, offices and private homes that had been converted into temporary accommodation. Volunteers distributed food, fruit juice and tea throughout the day.
Khamenei Funeral: Mourners Voice Anger and Demand Retaliation
Several mourners expressed strong views during the ceremony. According to reports, Leila Ahmadi from Boyer-Ahmad said, “We will fight the Americans with pitchforks if necessary.” Another attendee, 70-year-old book translator Husain Dehghan, said many Iranians continued to respect Khamenei despite criticism from Western countries. He added that disagreements with Iran’s government did not mean people supported foreign intervention. Resident Ibrahim Kalim, who narrowly survived an Israeli bombing, said many Iranians wanted reforms but believed those changes should come from within the country rather than through outside pressure.
