Khamenei lies in state as Iran begins week of mourning
Iran on Friday began a week of funeral ceremonies for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was slain by U.S. and Israeli bombs in February. Clerics, officials, foreign dignitaries and other mourners paid their respects as Khamenei's body lay in state at Tehran's Grand Mosalla mosque, Reuters reported.
Ruling clerics organize show of national unity
The funeral events are designed as a display of public devotion to the Islamic Republic and proof that its revolutionary fervor still burns strong, according to reports. Khamenei had served as Iran's supreme leader for 36 years, and his death has left a power vacuum at the top of the country's political and religious hierarchy.
International implications amid regional tensions
The funeral comes as Iran navigates the aftermath of its military conflict with the United States and Israel. Meanwhile, NATO leaders gathered in Ankara this week aiming to smooth over tensions with the Trump administration, while European nations brace for broader regional fallout from the conflict's end.