Iran Begins Funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Crowds Chant "Death to America" | Achla News
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Iran Begins Funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Crowds Chant "Death to America"
Iran has begun a six-day funeral for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike during the Iran-Israel war. Tens of thousands gathered in Tehran chanting anti-American and anti-Israel slogans, while Iranian officials used the event to project national unity and resistance. The funeral coincides with America's 250th Independence Day celebrations, highlighting the continuing confrontation between Tehran and Washington.
The funeral ceremonies for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei officially began Friday at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Mosalla, more than four months after he was killed in an Israeli strike that also reportedly killed several members of his family during the Iran-Israel war.
Khamenei's coffin, displayed alongside the coffins of his relatives, was presented to the public beneath a black turban symbolizing his claimed descent from the Prophet Muhammad. The ceremony is scheduled to continue through July 9, with stops in the Shiite holy cities of Qom, Karbala, and Najaf before his burial in Mashhad.
Anti-American and Anti-Israel Chants
Large crowds gathered before the funeral procession arrived, waving red flags associated with calls for revenge and chanting slogans including "Death to America" and "Revenge." Some participants were also seen carrying banners calling for violence against President Donald Trump.
Many mourners performed traditional Shiite mourning rituals by striking their chests in unison while Iranian authorities provided water and cooling stations for attendees during the summer heat.
Political Message Beyond Mourning
The funeral began on the same day the United States marked the 250th anniversary of American independence. Analysts say Iranian leaders are using the event to rally domestic support, reinforce the regime's resistance narrative, and demonstrate continued defiance toward the United States and Israel.
Iranian military officials also warned the United States and Israel against what they described as any future "miscalculation" following recent hostilities.
Focus on Iran's New Leadership
Attention is also centered on Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father as Iran's Supreme Leader. It remains unclear whether he will make his first public appearance since taking office, after reports that he was injured during the same Israeli strike.
His appearance—or continued absence—could be viewed as an important signal regarding the stability of Iran's leadership following months of war, internal unrest, and growing regional tensions.
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