Iran Holds Funeral for Supreme Leader Khamenei Amid Calls to Assassinate Trump

The funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an Israeli strike on February 28 during Operation 'Roaring Lion,' continues with large public participation. During the ceremony, chants calling for the assassination of U.S. President Donald Trump were heard, including a speaker stating, "Why not kill the man who killed my Imam? Assassinating Trump is our duty; we will never abandon your revenge." Delegations from Hamas and Yemen's Houthis also attended the funeral procession.

Khamenei's three sons appeared publicly for the first time since his death, though the current Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was notably absent. According to a New York Times report, Mojtaba wished to attend and lead prayers over his father's body but was barred by security concerns that Israel might target him or use his presence to locate his hideout. The Revolutionary Guards warned against any attacks during the funeral days, and Tehran's airspace was closed to flights.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with the Hamas delegation, affirming Iran's continued support for the Palestinian cause. Hezbollah representatives praised their group's resistance as a source of pride for Lebanon and the Islamic world, with Iran aiming to end the war in Lebanon and occupation. The funeral took place at the Grand Mosalla Mosque named after Khomeini, attended by top Iranian officials including President Ebrahim Raisi, Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Revolutionary Guards Commander Ahmad Vahidi. Numerous foreign delegations from Armenia, Pakistan, Russia, China, Central Asian countries, Qatar, Iraq, and Georgia were present, alongside representatives from Palestinian groups and the Taliban.

Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf warned that if the U.S. and Israel fail to meet their commitments, Iran will resume "appropriate measures." President Trump commented from Washington that the U.S. granted Iran "a week off for the funeral" as a gesture of goodwill, adding that Iran is eager to reach an agreement. Ali Khamenei had led Iran since 1989. The strike that killed him also claimed the lives of top military officials, including Chief of Staff Abdul Rahim Mousavi and Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, along with about 40 senior regime figures. Citizens attending expressed shock and sorrow, with one woman saying she never expected to see such a day, and another man traveling over 500 kilometers to show commitment to defending their country and faith.