Thousands Attend Funeral, Leader Calls for Regional Unity Against Opponents

The burial ceremony for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei drew millions to Tehran, Najaf, Karbala, Mashhad and other cities. In his televised message, Supreme Leader Sayyid Ali Khamenei lauded the “historic and unprecedented” presence of citizens, describing it as a powerful response to the nation’s adversaries. He warned that the innocent blood spilled, including recent battlefield casualties, will be avenged and that retaliation mirrors the public’s aspirations. Khamenei urged Iranians, Iraqis and supporters across the region to stay steadfast, confront challenges without fear, and uphold divine promises in the path laid out by his father.