Iran stages massive funeral for Khamenei in bid to project strength

Iran has begun an unprecedented state funeral for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with the regime expecting up to 20 million mourners to flood the streets of Tehran in a carefully orchestrated display of power four months after he was killed in Israel’s opening strike of Operation Roaring Lion.

The three-day ceremony comes as Tehran seeks to project unity after a devastating war that decimated much of its military leadership and exposed the regime’s vulnerabilities. Roads have been closed, security forces deployed across the capital, and foreign dignitaries from around 30 countries invited as the Islamic Republic attempts to demonstrate that it remains firmly in control despite the loss of its longtime leader.

Adding to the symbolism, IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi made his first public appearance in months, underscoring his growing influence within Iran’s new leadership. Analysts believe Vahidi has become one of the key figures shaping the regime’s hardline policies under Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, even as many Iranians remain disillusioned by years of repression, economic hardship, and war.