Iran Bids Farewell to Khamenei with Massive Memorial Services

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Tehran on Saturday to pay their last respects to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led the Islamic Republic of Iran for 37 years and died at the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran. His coffin was laid in state at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, a large prayer complex.

Mourners dressed in black carried Iranian flags and portraits of Khamenei, as well as of his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei. According to Iranian state media, his daughter, granddaughter, daughter-in-law and son-in-law were also killed in the Israeli attack. Among the five coffins was a small one containing his 14-month-old granddaughter.

Iranian military and security forces vowed revenge for his death, while the crowd chanted "Death to America". Analysts, however, point out that behind the regime's outwardly unified facade, support for the Islamic Republic is weakening.

According to Iranian media, the war, which began on 28 February with the killing of Khamenei, has claimed more than 3,000 lives in Iran. Tehran responded with attacks on US bases, missiles targeting Israel, and strikes on energy targets in the Persian Gulf countries. Following a preliminary truce, both sides signed a ceasefire agreement in June, although sporadic attacks continue.

(Reuters, bak)