Thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets in nationwide rallies to honour late supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli strike at the outset of a recent conflict, as public anger grows over anticipated diplomatic talks.
The demonstrations, held on Thursday, marked the 40-day mourning period following Khamenei’s death—an important rite in Islamic tradition. Supporters carried portraits of the late leader and waved Iranian flags during gatherings across the country.
The largest crowds were seen in the capital, Tehran, where daily life has begun to stabilise following a fragile ceasefire that came into effect on Tuesday night. Other significant rallies took place in Urmia and Gorgan.
Khamenei, who was 86, had led the Islamic Republic for more than three decades before he was assassinated on February 28 in what Iranian authorities described as a coordinated US-Israeli strike on his residence in Tehran. The attack reportedly killed dozens of senior military officers and government officials.
Among those paying tribute was President Masoud Pezeshkian, who attended the ceremony and was seen interacting with mourners in images broadcast on state television.
Expressing grief and anger, a 33-year-old private-sector employee, Maryam Esmaeili, condemned the killing. “The killing of our beloved leader was truly cowardly,” she said, adding that the United States and Israel had “crossed our red line.”
The commemorations began at 9:40 a.m. local time—the exact moment the fatal strikes occurred—underscoring the symbolic significance of the tribute.
Meanwhile, political tensions remain high as Iran prepares for expected talks in Pakistan later this week, with some demonstrators voicing opposition to diplomatic engagement in the aftermath of the attack.
Khamenei was succeeded in early March by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since reportedly being wounded in a separate strike, according to Iranian officials.
The rallies reflect both national mourning and growing political tension, as Iran navigates the aftermath of the assassination and the prospect of renewed diplomatic efforts.
Boluwatife Enome
