Iran’s week-long public farewell for former supreme leader Ali Khamenei is nearing its conclusion in Tehran, with funeral prayers marked by chants of “Death to America”, “Death to Israel” and “Kill Trump and Bibi”. Thousands gathered at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, where the ceremony combined mourning with repeated calls for revenge.

The funeral, delayed because of the West Asia war that began on February 28, drew large crowds carrying Iranian flags, portraits of Khamenei and red flags symbolising vengeance. It comes ahead of a mass procession in Tehran before Khamenei’s body is taken to Qom, then to two holy cities in Iraq and finally to Mashhad, where he was born in 1939.

Chants for revenge dominate farewell

Calls for retaliation against the United States and Israel featured prominently throughout the ceremony.

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During a poetry recital before the funeral prayers, poet Mohammad Rasouli declared, “From now on the shroud is our garment. I swear by your blood; Trump’s murder is our responsibility.”

He also questioned why Donald Trump was still alive and said it would be a disgrace if those responsible for Khamenei’s death were not killed. While the remarks drew mixed reactions, many people in attendance cheered. Messages displayed near the coffins included one in English reading: “Kill Trump.” Mourners also repeatedly chanted, “No compromise, no surrender, only revenge.”

Senior leaders attend, Mojtaba absent

The funeral prayers were led by 97-year-old Ayatollah Ja’far Sobhani of Qom. Prayers were also offered for four members of Khamenei’s family, including his daughter-in-law Zahra Haddad Adel and his 14-month-old granddaughter Zahra Mohammadi Golpaygani. The child’s coffin became one of the most emotional moments of the ceremony.

Most of Iran’s senior political, military and judicial leaders attended, including Al-Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani and IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi.

However, Mojtaba Khamenei, who was appointed supreme leader 10 days after his father’s death, was absent. Officials said he was injured in the attacks but rejected reports claiming he had suffered permanent facial disfigurement or amputation.

Crowds gather despite scorching heat

The prayer hall, which can accommodate around 30,000 people, filled before dawn despite temperatures crossing 36 degree Celsius. Some mourners wore white burial shrouds, known as kaffan, to signal their willingness to die as martyrs.

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Authorities did not release official attendance figures, though unofficial estimates claimed more than two million people attended the opening day of the ceremonies. Volunteers distributed food, fruit juice and tea to visitors, many of whom had travelled long distances and were staying in schools, mosques, offices and private homes converted into temporary accommodation.

Iranian officials used the occasion to stress the country’s resolve. National Security Council secretary Mohammed Bagher Zolghadr said the gathering conveyed two messages: resistance against Iran’s enemies and revenge for the slain leader.

FAQs:

What slogans were heard during Ali Khamenei’s funeral?

Mourners chanted slogans including “Death to America”, “Death to Israel” and “Kill Trump and Bibi”.

Where was Ali Khamenei’s funeral held?

The main funeral prayers were held at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran.