Huge Crowds Mass in Tehran for Ayatollah’s State Funeral
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Tens of thousands of Iranians gathered at Tehran's Grand Mosalla mosque to view the casket of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the start of a six-day state funeral.
- Millions are expected to participate as Khamenei's body is transported across Iran, with caskets of him and family members killed alongside him displayed publicly.
- Khamenei was killed in late February during the U.S.-Israeli war, marking a significant moment amid ongoing turmoil including antigovernment protests and a harsh government crackdown.
- The funeral comes as Iran faces multiple crises, including continued conflict with the U.S. and Israel, highlighted by Israeli airstrikes that targeted top Iranian leaders.
