Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was buried in Tehran on Monday after a funeral procession that drew millions of mourners, marking the end of a 37-year era and the beginning of a new chapter for the Islamic Republic.
Massive Turnout for Funeral Procession
State media reported that over 3 million people lined the streets of Tehran as Khamenei's coffin was transported through the capital. The procession began at the University of Tehran, where a prayer service was led by President Ebrahim Raisi. The body was then taken to the Behesht-e Zahra cemetery, where Khamenei was interred in a simple grave next to his predecessor, Ruhollah Khomeini.
The funeral was one of the largest in Iran's history, with observers noting the outpouring of grief from across the political spectrum. Many mourners carried portraits of Khamenei and waved Iranian flags, chanting slogans in his honor.
Transition of Power
With Khamenei's death, the Assembly of Experts is expected to convene within days to select a new Supreme Leader. The 88-member body, composed of clerics, has been preparing for this transition for years. According to analysts, the frontrunner is current President Ebrahim Raisi, though other senior clerics are also being considered.
Khamenei's death comes at a critical time for Iran, which faces international sanctions, domestic protests, and ongoing tensions with Israel and the United States. The new Supreme Leader will inherit these challenges and will shape Iran's domestic and foreign policy for years to come.
International Reactions
World leaders have offered condolences, with Russia's Vladimir Putin calling Khamenei a "remarkable statesman" and China's Xi Jinping praising his role in strengthening Iran-China relations. The United States, under President Donald Trump, made no official statement but maintained a policy of maximum pressure on Iran.
In a statement, the White House said it was monitoring the situation but declined further comment. The funeral proceeded without major incident, though security forces were deployed in large numbers to prevent any unrest.
