Iranians mass for Khamenei’s burial in Mashhad as calls for vengeance grow

Tens of thousands of Iranians braved sweltering heat in Mashhad on Thursday for the burial of assassinated supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with mourners waving red flags of vengeance and chanting for retribution against the United States and Israel.

Tens of thousands of Iranians braved sweltering heat in Mashhad on Thursday for the burial of assassinated supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with mourners waving red flags of vengeance and chanting for retribution against the United States and Israel. The burial marked the final act of a marathon six-day funeral ceremony that has seen massive processions across Iran and in Iraq’s holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.

Khamenei, 86, was killed in a US-Israeli strike on his compound in Tehran on February 28, triggering a 108-day war that resulted in over 3,600 casualties in Iran and 13 American troop deaths. His remains were flown to Mashhad, his hometown and home to the Imam Reza Shrine, one of Shia Islam’s holiest sites, where he will be buried alongside his infant granddaughter, son-in-law, daughter, and daughter-in-law Zahra Haddad Adel, who were all killed in the same strike.

Thousands filled the streets of Mashhad, with footage showing the procession making its way to the shrine. At least one fighter jet escorted the plane carrying the coffin, while state TV reported that a helicopter would transport the body across the final stretch as the main avenue was expected to be crammed with people. Men wore black shirts while women were clad in black chadors, many waving red flags symbolising vengeance. “People here all seek revenge,” said Mohammad Afsharian, a 41-year-old shop owner. “I don’t know what’s the story with diplomacy and what’s the policy to continue diplomacy but all the people are carrying red flags in a sign of seeking revenge.”

Observers have been watching closely for any signs of Khamenei’s son and successor, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who has yet to make any public appearances and was said to have been injured in the same strike. A giant banner near the shrine showed a caricature of US President Donald Trump with a bounty on his head, while another showed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a message in English: “There will be blood.”

With temperatures hitting 35°C, water sprinklers were used to keep the faithful cool. The funeral was originally set to begin at 6am but was delayed to 2pm because ceremonies in Iraq had run late. Meanwhile, the eruption of fighting forced the closure of the rail link between Tehran and Mashhad, though road transport was being organised for stranded passengers. Iran hopes the ceremony will project strength and unity following the war, as the country navigates a new era under its new supreme leader.