Hundreds of thousands gather for Iran’s supreme leader funeral as nation vows revenge

Massive crowds filled Tehran’s Revolution Square on Tuesday for the funeral procession of Iran’s supreme leader, who was killed in what the country views as an opening strike of a broader conflict. The streets and airspace around the capital were closed off for the day, which was declared a public holiday to allow Iranians to leave work and attend the mourning ceremonies. The atmosphere was charged with calls for “justice and vengeance” as hundreds of thousands processed through the streets.The Iranian government has mobilised the funeral as a show of national unity and resolve, with officials using the occasion to rally public support. One Tehran resident told international media: “This is a very difficult day. We came here for revenge.” The scale of the gathering underscored the deep emotions stirred by the death and the broader regional tensions that preceded it.The funeral procession is expected to continue for approximately 12 hours, with organisers facilitating the movement of massive crowds through designated routes in central Tehran. Iranian state media has emphasised the size and significance of the turnout, presenting it as evidence of the nation’s determination to respond to what it characterises as an act of aggression. The public display of mourning and resolve comes as regional tensions remain extraordinarily high.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.