Millions Mourn Martyr Leader Khamenei in Historic Tehran Funeral
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported that millions of Iranians, representing diverse segments of society, converged yesterday along a 20-kilometer stretch for a historic farewell to the body of their martyred leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. This scene visibly demonstrated the solid foundations of the Islamic Republic, signaling increased self-assurance and enhanced capability to navigate the current phase amidst pressures from confrontation and negotiations with the United States, under continuous threats from the Zionist regime.
Al-Akhbar noted the presence of various Iranian societal groups, from factory workers and university professors to merchants from the old bazaar and the new generation of youth, and from women in full hijab to young individuals in modern attire, all participating in massive numbers. The procession vehicle reportedly moved with great difficulty through the human tide, at times halting for extended periods.
The report highlighted that this immense public gathering was not confined to Tehran residents; large contingents from other Iranian cities also participated. Alongside the Iranian flag, red banners bearing the inscription “Ya Latarthat Al-Hussein” in bold white script were prominently displayed, symbolizing vengeance for the martyred leader. Chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” were also heard. Participants carried images of Donald Trump defaced with red lines and inscribed with “Revenge for the leader’s blood is killing Trump.”
Despite the unprecedented mass turnout, the funeral procession was marked by remarkable order, with security forces and the Basij working diligently to ensure the safety of the route, and no significant stampede incidents were recorded, indicating effective crowd control. The procession continued late into the night.
Al-Akhbar, referencing the funeral ceremonies scheduled for today in the holy city of Qom, and tomorrow in Najaf and Karbala, with the burial of the martyred leader in the holy city of Mashhad, described the funeral as an unparalleled display of Iran’s power. Western media outlets had spent months amplifying narratives of social divisions and the erosion of public support for the Iranian government. However, this multi-million-person funeral underscored the Islamic Republic’s deep public roots and suggested that the recent conflict had fostered national solidarity against external enemies, helping to de-escalate many political and social differences.
Strategically, Al-Akhbar asserted that one of the primary calculations by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu from the outset of their aggression against Iran was the expectation of internal opposition taking to the streets, coinciding with the assassination of officials and the destruction of military facilities, thereby paving the way for the gradual collapse of Iranian governance. However, the reality on the ground proved contrary, as from the initial moments of the conflict, particularly after the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei, various segments of the populace increased their presence in public spaces. They not only supported the government but also drew red lines for foreign adversaries with their anti-American and anti-Zionist slogans.
According to the report, nighttime gatherings that persisted for the past four months, even after the achievement of a ceasefire, demonstrated that the war had transformed into a factor for national solidarity and strengthened political consensus around the system, rather than weakening public resolve. This development has disrupted enemy calculations aimed at regime change through external pressure.
Al-Akhbar concluded that the massive attendance at Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral will undoubtedly elevate the system’s self-confidence to its highest level. This self-confidence holds exceptional importance in the current fragile regional circumstances, as the ceasefire agreement remains distant from a final accord, and significant deadlocks persist over the mechanisms for fulfilling commitments.
