The funeral for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has begun, with thousands of mourners flooding the Grand Mosalla mosque in Tehran after waiting through the night. Khamenei's 37-year reign ended in February when a US-Israeli airstrike killed him, along with several family members including his 14-month-old granddaughter. By 5:30 AM Saturday, the streets were packed with Iranians, some traveling hours to attend an event designed to emphasize national grief and desire for revenge against the West. By 8 AM, over 10,000 people filled the mosque, segregated men right, women left. The six-day funeral may draw up to 30 million attendees; Khamenei's body will also be paraded through Iraqi Shia cities Karbala and Najaf at Iraqi politicians' request.

Religious martyrdom songs blared as grown men sobbed uncontrollably, while nearby reporters tended Instagram accounts with selfies of the crowd. Officials, keen to avoid past funeral crushes, urged mourners not to linger. Banners proclaimed Khamenei's martyrdom; yellow Hezbollah flags mingled with Iranian flags worn like football scarves. Hundreds of food stations (mokebs) offered free boiled eggs, halim soup, lemonade, and water. Alms for the poor could be given by credit card. One stand featured a photo of the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, Ali's son, severely injured in the same strike. Mojtaba has issued only written statements, missing his wife's funeral and facing Israeli death threats.

British and American journalists were advised not to speak to mourners, but many were eager to contrast US President Donald Trump (called a megalomaniac or yellow dog) with their martyred leader. One cleric, Ali Ajorlu, likened Trump to a filthy toilet brush and Khamenei to clean spring water. The crowd represented a conservative slice of Iran; all women wore chadors, while in Tehran more than half of women don't wear hijabs. The government hopes the funeral reunifies a nation divided by Khamenei's conservative rule, with over half the population knowing only one supreme leader. Delayed by conflict, the event serves as a display of defiance and raw power.