Khamenei Funeral Draws Millions, Red Flags Demand Revenge
Photo: REUTERS
Millions of grief-stricken Iranians flooded the streets of Tehran today as the funeral procession for their martyred leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, began in the capital.
State-run Press TV reported that officials described the event as the “largest public gathering in the country’s modern history.” Khamenei was killed on 28 February during the first day of the US-Israel war on Iran.
The massive procession follows a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) route, winding through Damavand Street, Imam Hussein Square, Enqelab Street, Enqelab Square, Azadi Street, Azadi Square, and Shahid Lashgari Highway near Mehrabad International Airport.
Broadcaster IRIB announced via Telegram, “The funeral procession for the revered body of the martyred Imam and leader began a few moments ago in the capital,” noting the presence of a “massive crowd”.
The Tasnim news agency reported earlier that the vehicle transporting the body was “ready to enter the funeral procession route.”
Mourners displayed red flags and banners, a potent Shia symbol demanding retribution for the slain leader. These flags bore traditional slogans like “Ya Latharat al-Hussein” (O Avengers of Hussein) alongside the newly coined “Ya Latharat al-Khamenei” (O Avengers of Khamenei).
Historically used to rally fighters for retribution, this cry signifies a direct call for revenge against those responsible for his death.
Mourners also carried a banner with the words “Kill Trump”. The banner also shows a bullet running through the word Trump.
Other mourners also carried placards with images of US Vice President JD Vance, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with the words, “There will be blood”.
Organizers expect the 10-to-12-hour procession to conclude before the body is taken to the city of Qom for further rites.
Source: Al Jazeera (adapted)
