Iran Buries Khamenei After Week of State Funeral Rites

Iran on Thursday buried former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the Imam Reza Shrine in the northeastern city of Mashhad, concluding a week of state-organized funeral ceremonies following his death in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes earlier this year. Large crowds gathered along the funeral route carrying Iranian flags and portraits of the longtime leader, while religious officials, military commanders and political figures attended the final ceremonies. Khamenei, who led the Islamic Republic from 1989 until his death, was laid to rest at one of Shiite Islam's holiest sites in his hometown.

The funeral events took place as Iran and the United States exchanged fresh military strikes, threatening a ceasefire that had largely held for several weeks. Iranian authorities presented the ceremonies as a display of national unity and resilience, while security remained tight throughout the processions. Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father as supreme leader, did not appear publicly during the burial ceremonies. Iranian officials have said he was injured in the strike that killed his father, although authorities have released few details about his condition.