Iran Mourns Ali Khamenei with Death Chants Against US and Israel Amid Arrests Near Tehran

During the funeral of Ali Khamenei, the former Supreme Leader of Iran killed in the opening strike of the "Roaring Lion" operation, mourners chanted "Death to America and Israel." The Iranian regime is preparing for massive ceremonies in the coming days, reminiscent of the 1989 funeral of Ruhollah Khomeini. The funeral week began with a large gathering at the Mosalla prayer complex in Tehran, where Khamenei's coffin, draped in the Iranian flag and a black turban symbolizing his religious status, was displayed alongside coffins of his family members who died in the February 28 American-Israeli strike, including his son-in-law, eldest daughter, 14-month-old granddaughter, and the wife of the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.

The coffin was also covered with a red flag inscribed with "Ya Hussein," brought from the Imam Hussein shrine in Karbala, Iraq, symbolizing unjust bloodshed and a call for revenge. State media footage showed clerics, regime officials, militia members, and grieving families praying and mourning at the coffin, with some participants throwing scarves and objects toward it, a traditional Iranian blessing practice.

Simultaneously, the Tasnim news agency reported that the Revolutionary Guards arrested six individuals near Pardis, close to Tehran, suspected of working for media hostile to Iran. Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev paid respects to Khamenei in Tehran during the ceremonies. The funeral events are expected to draw millions in the coming days as Iran marks the official mourning period.