Thousands of mourners filled the streets of Tehran on Monday as Iran held a large-scale funeral procession for its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The event drew massive crowds dressed in black, with people gathering along the procession route to pay their final respects.

According to Iranian officials, Khamenei’s flag-draped coffin, along with the coffins of family members who were killed in the February 28 airstrike, was transported through the capital on a specially decorated vehicle. The truck featured ornate designs inspired by the decorative grilles found at revered Islamic shrines.

The funeral procession began in Tehran and is expected to continue for nearly 12 hours before reaching Mehrabad International Airport. Authorities have implemented extensive security arrangements as large crowds continue to participate in the ceremony.

Massive Public Turnout During State Funeral

The large gathering has been presented by Iran’s leadership as a demonstration of national unity during a period of heightened regional tensions. Thousands lined the streets, waving flags, offering prayers, and mourning the country’s longtime leader.

Some participants were also reported chanting anti-U.S. slogans during the procession, reflecting the political atmosphere surrounding the funeral following months of conflict in the region.

Officials stated that the funeral procession has been carefully organized to allow citizens from across the country an opportunity to pay their respects before the coffins are transported to the airport.

Funeral Takes Place Amid Diplomatic Uncertainty

The funeral comes at a sensitive time as Iran continues diplomatic discussions aimed at reaching a long-term resolution following the recent conflict in West Asia. The ceremony has become one of the country’s largest public events in recent years.

Revolutionary Guard General Hasan Hasanzadeh, who is overseeing the arrangements, confirmed that the procession will pass through several major streets in Tehran before concluding at Mehrabad International Airport.

Authorities have deployed additional security personnel throughout the city to manage the crowds and ensure the procession proceeds without disruption.

The funeral is being closely watched by governments and international observers, as developments in Iran continue to have significant implications for regional stability and future diplomatic negotiations.

As mourners continue to gather across Tehran, the ceremony marks a defining moment in Iran’s modern history, drawing attention from around the world while highlighting the country’s ongoing political and geopolitical challenges.