Iran Begins Week of Funeral Ceremonies for Khamenei
Supreme Leader Khamenei lies in state in Tehran as Iran opens a week of national mourning ceremonies.
Iran launched a week of state funeral ceremonies in Tehran after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's body was placed on public display, drawing mourners from across the country to pay their final respects to the Islamic Republic's top authority.
Khamenei, who held power in Iran for decades as the country's supreme religious and political leader, commanded the nation's armed forces, judiciary, and foreign policy direction. His death marks one of the most significant political transitions the Islamic Republic has faced since its founding.
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Tehran became the focal point of national grief as state television broadcast the proceedings and security forces managed the crowds gathering to view the body lying in state. The ceremonies are expected to draw senior officials, foreign dignitaries, and tens of thousands of ordinary Iranians throughout the week.
The passing of a supreme leader triggers a constitutionally defined succession process in Iran, placing immediate pressure on the Assembly of Experts — the clerical body responsible for selecting a replacement — to convene and deliberate. The outcome of that process will carry enormous consequences for Iran's domestic politics and its posture toward the West, particularly regarding its nuclear program and regional influence.
The scale and duration of the mourning period reflect the outsized role Khamenei played in shaping modern Iran. Continue reading at Reuters.
