Massive Crowds in Tehran as Iran Stages Khamenei Funeral

Iranian state media reported that “millions” gathered in the capital for the funeral procession of Khamenei , which followed a two-day public farewell ceremony. Authorities described it as potentially the largest public gathering in the country’s modern history. The route stretched roughly 10 kilometers through central Tehran, passing major squares and arteries including Damavand Street, Imam Hussein Square, Enqelab Square, Azadi Square, and ending near Mehrabad Airport.

Organizers said the procession would last between 10 and 12 hours. The coffin, carried through densely packed crowds, is later expected to continue onward for additional ceremonies in Qom, Karbala, Najaf, and Mashhad in the coming days.

Images from the capital showed mourners carrying red flags and banners invoking vengeance, including slogans such as “Ya Latharat al-Hussein” and “Ya Latharat al-Khamenei”, symbols rooted in Shiite tradition tied to the Battle of Karbala. Some demonstrators also displayed explicitly anti-US and anti-Israel messages, including signs calling for retaliation and referencing US President Donald Trump and Israeli leaders.

Iranian officials used the funeral to reinforce political messaging about resistance and continuity. Army Chief Major General Amir Hatami said the country would not abandon its pursuit of accountability.

He stated, “Those who committed this crime must know that the nation of Iran and all of us will never cease in our pursuit of and demand for justice.” He added, “We will not let go of them, and this is a definitive decision that we will follow through until we achieve results.”

The ceremony was also framed as a demonstration that Iran’s state institutions remain stable following Khamenei’s killing in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28, with officials emphasizing continuity in governance and the transition of power already underway.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described the recently signed memorandum of understanding with the United States as simultaneously difficult and feasible to enforce. Speaking in Tehran during a meeting with Hamas-linked political figures, he said Iran remained fundamentally opposed to Washington and Israel.

He stated, “We have no peace with the United States, and we will not recognise Israel.”

Ghalibaf also said Iran would continue supporting what it calls the “axis of resistance,” including groups across the region, combining both military and diplomatic pressure. He stressed that negotiations should not become an end in themselves, saying Iran must avoid “negotiation for the sake of negotiation.”

He further claimed regional adversaries were forced to acknowledge Iran-aligned groups within the agreement framework, describing the memorandum as an “achievement” for the axis of resistance, while also warning that perceived weakness could trigger further conflict.

The funeral ceremonies have been heavily infused with religious and political symbolism. Red flags used by mourners referenced Shiite narratives of martyrdom and revenge, linking Khamenei’s death to historical religious events central to Shiite identity.

Officials have promoted slogans urging national unity and continued resistance, presenting mourning as both a spiritual duty and a political act.

Analysts cited in Iranian media said the state is using the moment to reinforce cohesion and project continuity after the leadership transition to Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed the top position in March following his father’s death.

Meanwhile, in southern Gaza, at least four Palestinians were killed and 16 wounded when an Israeli drone struck a vehicle on al-Rashid coastal road in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis, according to hospital sources at Nasser Hospital and al-Hilal Hospital.

Separately, Palestinian protesters gathered outside al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, demanding that Israel allow urgent medical evacuations abroad. Health authorities said thousands of patients remain unable to leave despite international agreements, with many dying while waiting for transfer.

According to health officials, only a fraction of those eligible have been evacuated, while over 18,000 people still require urgent treatment outside the enclave.

In addition, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh region, targeting areas described by the military as Hezbollah positions. Lebanese authorities reported additional detonations and artillery fire in multiple southern villages, including Hula and Baraachit.

The National News Agency said Israeli forces “triggered an explosion” overnight in Hula in the Marjayoun district. Local reports also described shelling near civilian areas where funerals had recently taken place, preventing residents from returning safely.

Despite a US-brokered agreement intended to end hostilities, both Israeli operations and limited armed responses in southern Lebanon have continued, raising questions about the durability of the ceasefire framework.

In other developments, Saudi and Bahraini foreign ministers met in Riyadh to discuss US-Iran negotiations and broader regional stability. The talks included concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and reaffirmed calls for safeguarding navigation routes.

Meanwhile, OPEC+ members agreed to increase oil production by 188,000 barrels per day starting in August. The decision, led by Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, marks the fifth consecutive monthly output increase, reflecting gradual adjustments following earlier production cuts.

Iran-aligned Houthi officials claimed that the assassination of Khamenei was linked to his support for Palestine and broader regional resistance movements. They described him as a symbol of opposition to US and Israeli influence.

At the same time, Israeli military activity continued in both Gaza and Lebanon, while diplomatic channels involving Gulf states and Iran remained active amid heightened regional tension.