Millions of Iranians in black and carrying banners take part in funeral procession for Ali Khamenei in Tehran

This Monday, millions of Iranian citizens took to the streets in Tehran to join the funeral procession for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in what is considered one of the largest ceremonies ever held in Iran.

After two days of tributes at the Grand Mosalla Mosque, huge crowds moved from Revolution Square toward Azadi Square. Dressed in black, participants waved Iranian flags, carried photographs of Khamenei and banners bearing the slogan “We will rise,” while chants honoring the slain leader could be heard in the background.

For the ceremony, Iranian authorities deployed large security forces and state structures, while the Tehran metro was packed with citizens heading to the procession.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the massive turnout was proof of the unity of the Iranian people. According to him, the presence and reaction of citizens “are understood by the whole world,” rejecting claims that the emotions displayed during the ceremony had been staged.

During the funeral, there were also chants against the United States and Israel, while some of those present shouted slogans and called for revenge for Khamenei’s killing.

Iran’s top political and military leaders were present at the ceremony. Meanwhile, the new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, did not attend for security reasons, according to Iranian officials.

To cover the event, Iran accredited more than 300 foreign journalists, in an unusual step aimed at giving the ceremony international exposure.