Hundreds of Iranians displayed red flags as a symbol of revenge during the third day of mourning for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in February amid the ongoing war. His funeral commenced on Saturday, marked by chants of “death to America, death to Israel,” and is expected to continue for at least a week across the nation. Large crowds gathered at Tehran’s Mosalla, with reports indicating that the metro system facilitated around 7 million trips as people attended the ceremonies. Khamenei’s body will be transported to significant Shi’ite holy sites before being interred in Mashhad on Thursday. Meanwhile, his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been absent from public view due to fears of an assassination attempt, following injuries sustained during the attack that killed his father.
Why It Matters
The death of Ali Khamenei marks a significant moment in Iran’s political landscape, as he had been a pivotal figure in shaping the country’s policies and regional influence since the 1979 revolution. The ongoing war, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes, has heightened tensions in the region, with Iranian officials warning of severe repercussions should further attacks occur during the funeral. The fear for Mojtaba Khamenei’s safety underscores the instability within Iran’s leadership and the potential for power struggles in the aftermath of Khamenei’s death, which may impact Iran’s domestic and foreign policies for years to come.
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