Iranians Mourn Supreme Leader Khamenei as U.S. Celebrates Independence

As the United States marked its 250th anniversary, Tehran saw a large turnout on Saturday as Iranians took to the streets in remembrance of their deceased Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, who perished in a U.S.-Israeli operation back in February.

This gathering could be one of the most significant demonstrations since the protests against living conditions that erupted in December and January.

Iranian officials anticipated that between 10 million and 15 million attendees would participate in the extended memorial event for Khamenei.

Experts suggested that concerned and anxious authorities postponed ceremonies for months over fear of safety issues.

The memorial coincided with July Fourth celebrations in the United States, all amid delicate negotiations aimed at resolving a lengthy conflict with Iran.

Donald Trump mentioned that the U.S. has granted Iran a “weeklong” period to mourn Khamenei’s passing. He remarked during a speech at Mount Rushmore, “We’re going to crush Iran, and they want to settle down. We gave them a week off for the funeral. Wouldn’t that be nice?”

The official funeral was set to start prior to the procession leaving for the Imam Khomeini shrine on July 6. The funeral of Khomeini in 1989 had drawn roughly 10 million people, resulting in numerous casualties due to a stampede.

Thousands gathered at the Grand Mosala for a 24-hour ceremony to bid farewell to the leader.

Khamenei succeeded Ruhollah Khomeini as the supreme leader, wielding significant influence in Iran and playing a role in establishing the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, known for alleged attacks on neighboring nations and support for terrorist groups internationally.

In the days leading up to the memorial, state newspapers ran warnings to the United States purportedly in his name.

Another prayer gathering is planned for July 7 in Qom, with a burial taking place on July 9 in Mashhad, Khamenei’s birthplace, at the Mausoleum of Imam Reza, a revered site for Shia Muslims.

In the days prior to the funeral, a large image of Khamenei was displayed above the mourners in Tehran’s Grand Mosala.

While many international leaders attended, the U.S. did not send a representative. Remarkably, the funerals for Khamenei’s daughter and son-in-law, who died in the attack on February 28, were set to align with his.

Since Khamenei’s demise, control of Iran has shifted to his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has been described by Trump as “more reasonable” than his father.

It’s uncertain whether this new leader will make an appearance at the funeral, especially considering Khamenei’s governance was marked by violent crackdowns that killed many Iranians last year, alongside the development of clandestine nuclear sites.