“Revenge, revenge” chants echo as Khamenei funeral begins in Iran

Funeral ceremonies for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have begun in Tehran, with state media reporting the start of six days of national mourning and mass mobilisation expected to draw up to 20 million people in the capital alone.

The state-backed event, described by authorities as both a farewell and a demonstration of strength, comes amid heavy security and nationwide organisation following Khamenei’s death at age 86.

Thousands of mourners gathered at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla religious complex, waving red banners symbolising vengeance and chanting “death to America” and “revenge, revenge” as they awaited the arrival of the coffin.

“We came because we promised the supreme leader we would stand by him to the very end,” said one mourner, 37-year-old university professor Reza. “For a long time, we shouted that we would sacrifice our lives for the leader, but it was he who sacrificed himself for us.”

Another mourner, food worker Javad Akbari, said: “I never had the chance to see the supreme leader up close… Today, I have come to bid him a final farewell.”

Authorities say the ceremonies are designed to project unity and strength following years of conflict and political tension, with officials openly framing the gathering as a national message to Iran’s adversaries.

Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told mourners the “nation’s call for vengeance must ring in the ears of the whole world,” while military leaders warned that Iran and its allies remain ready for further confrontation if necessary.

The funeral procession is expected to continue over several days, moving from Tehran to Qom, then to Shia holy cities in Iraq, before burial in Mashhad.