Iranians are preparing to bury their slain leader Ali Khamenei in his hometown of Mashhad in northeast Iran, as new US strikes threaten to trigger a fresh escalation in the Middle East war. The late supreme leader's burial follows a multi-day funeral ceremony that attracted millions of mourners across various cities in both Iran and Iraq. But just as the funeral rites headed into their final day, the United States launched new strikes on Iran in retaliation for attacks on shipping in the vital Strait of Hormuz.
Funeral Procession and Ceremony
Khamenei's funeral ceremonies included a series of locations that reflect the religious, political and ideological pillars of the Islamic republic. Following a marathon procession through the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala in neighbouring Iraq on Wednesday, he was to reach his final place of rest in the holy city of Mashhad. According to the official IRNA news agency, Khamenei is to be buried Thursday evening in the Shrine of Imam Reza -- Iran's most revered place of worship. Imam Reza is the only one of the 12 Shia imams buried in Iran.
US-Iran Tensions Escalate
President Donald Trump, who had earlier said the US ceasefire with Iran was over, warned of "much worse" to come if Iran continues to strike vessels in the strait. Calls for restraint abounded as US forces struck multiple sites on Iran's coast in response to Iranian attacks on three ships in the waterway. Tehran earlier said it had struck US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Succession and Public Sentiment
Observers have been watching closely for any signs of Khamenei's son and successor Mojtaba Khamenei, who has yet to make any public appearances and was said to have been injured in the same strike that killed his father. The Islamic republic hopes the ceremony will project strength and unity following the Middle East war, and six months after a crackdown on anti-government protests.
Historical and Religious Significance
Several notable figures have been buried in the shrine over the centuries, including several former Iranian shahs, as well as former president Ebrahim Raisi. Khamenei, who had ruled Iran since 1989, was killed aged 86 along with several members of his family and top officials in an Israeli strike. He will be buried with his infant granddaughter, son-in-law, daughter and Mojtaba Khamenei's wife Zahra Haddad Adel, who were all killed in the February 28 strikes.
