What rats do’: US says Iranian leaders hiding as leaders appear in Tehran

In March 2026, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed Iranian leaders were "desperate and hiding" following U.S.-Israeli strikes. This statement was made by Hegseth in the United States. However, news reports from Tehran showed Iranian President and Foreign Minister participating in Quds Day rallies. The article highlights a potential contradiction between the U.S. assessment of the Iranian leadership's behavior and their public appearances in Tehran. The article does not specify the reason for the U.S. strikes. The article's purpose is to report on the conflicting narratives surrounding the Iranian leadership's actions.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Friday that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is reportedly injured. Hegseth claimed Khamenei's written public address on Thursday indicated fear, injury, and a lack of legitimacy. Hegseth also announced a significant increase in US airstrikes over Iran and Tehran on Friday. Despite Khamenei's defiant statement that the Strait of Hormuz must remain blocked, Hegseth downplayed concerns about its closure. The US pledged to continue escalating attacks against Iran.

Donald Trump threatened Iran with severe consequences amid escalating violence in the Middle East. U.S. and Israeli forces launched attacks on Tehran and other Iranian locations, while Iran retaliated with attacks on Israel and civilian infrastructure in Gulf states. The conflict has caused widespread chaos, displacement in Lebanon, and casualties, including the deaths of U.S. servicemen in Iraq and a French soldier. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed Iran's leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was wounded and in hiding. Iranian media showed regime members at a pro-government demonstration in Tehran.

Oil prices have risen above $100 a barrel due to disruptions in global energy supplies amid the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which began on February 28, 2026. The surge follows Iran's pledge to maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for about one-fifth of global oil supplies. Traffic through the strait has significantly decreased, with only a few vessels passing through daily compared to the pre-war average. The US President has prioritized preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons over concerns about rising oil prices. Asian stock markets have declined following the oil price increase and overnight losses on Wall Street.

The US-Israeli war on Iran, beginning in March 2026, has triggered a global energy crisis due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for oil and gas shipments. India, heavily reliant on the Gulf for its energy needs, faces potential shortages as over 80% of its gas and 60% of its oil pass through this strait. The conflict also threatens the $50 billion in remittances sent by approximately nine million Indian expats working in the Gulf states. Rising crude prices and disrupted supplies are already impacting India, with potential closures of businesses and public concerns over LPG shortages. The situation is further complicated by increased shipping risks and attacks on vessels heading to India.

In March 2026, the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced the release of nearly 400 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserves, the largest release in its history. This action was taken in response to a significant supply disruption caused by the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which began in late February 2026. Iran's retaliatory strikes, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil supply route, drove crude prices above $100 per barrel. The IEA, comprised of 32 member nations, aims to stabilize volatile energy markets with this release, which represents one-third of its total government reserves. The agency believes the current crisis surpasses the impact of the 1991 Gulf War and the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine on global oil markets.

Following Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment as Iran's Supreme Leader, his first official address, a statement read on state TV, has sparked skepticism among Iranians. Many question his condition and ability to lead, citing his lack of public appearance since assuming the role. Some suspect the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) holds the true power. The message included a vow to avenge citizens killed since the war with the US and Israel began. Doubts persist about the message's authenticity and Khamenei's actual involvement. The reactions were gathered by BBC Persian despite a government-imposed internet blackout. Pro-establishment rallies occurred in Tehran on Quds Day.

In March 2026, Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly appointed Supreme Leader of Iran, issued his first public statement following the assassination of his father and other family members in US and Israeli strikes. The statement, broadcast on state TV, called for national unity and vowed continued resistance against Iran's enemies. Khamenei declared the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed and demanded the immediate closure of all US bases in the region, threatening attacks if this demand was not met. He also stated that allied armed groups in Yemen and Iraq would assist in the ongoing conflict. Khamenei thanked the Iranian military and pledged that Iran would continue fighting. His father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on February 28, and Mojtaba was appointed his successor on Sunday.

Chinese analysts believe the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran, initiated with joint air strikes on February 28th, may be difficult to end quickly due to Israel's potential to escalate the conflict. The war, which has already surpassed Iran's previous conflict with Israel, involves retaliatory strikes across the region, with civilian and military casualties reported by both sides. Tehran reports over 1,300 civilian deaths, while Washington confirms injuries to approximately 140 US troops and the death of seven service members. Despite the high tensions and fighting spreading to neighboring countries, analysts doubt the conflict's long-term sustainability and reject the idea that it would benefit China. The conflict began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, including an oil storage facility in Tehran.

In his first public statement since becoming Iran's Supreme Leader on March 8th, Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping channel. The message, broadcast on Iranian state TV, also promised retaliation for Iranians killed in the war with the US and Israel, including his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in a US-Israeli strike. Khamenei warned neighboring countries to close US bases, stating that Iran would continue targeting them. He claimed to have learned of his appointment as Supreme Leader via state TV. While reports suggest Khamenei was lightly injured in the strike that killed his father, he has not been seen publicly since assuming the role.

Iran has escalated attacks on energy infrastructure and transport in the Middle East, setting ablaze two tankers in Iraqi waters. This action is part of a broader campaign to disrupt energy markets, contributing to oil prices reaching $100 a barrel. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding Iran's stance on allowing India-flagged tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil trade. While one Indian source indicated passage would be permitted, Reuters reported an Iranian source denying this. The attacks and uncertainty surrounding tanker passage are impacting global oil markets.

The global energy crisis, exacerbated by conflict in the Middle East as of March 12, 2026, is creating winners and losers worldwide. With strategic chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz potentially closed, countries in Europe and Asia face increased supply risks and inflation. The conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran threatens to disrupt established energy routes, making alternatives difficult to secure. Russia is positioned to benefit significantly from rising oil prices, bolstering its economy despite existing Western sanctions. The longer the conflict persists, the more drastically the global energy landscape is expected to change.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) warned that the ongoing war in Iran is causing the "largest supply disruption in history" for oil markets due to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This disruption surpasses the crises following the Yom Kippur war and the war in Ukraine. Iran's new supreme leader called for the vital trade artery to remain closed, further escalating the situation. In response, global oil prices surpassed $100 a barrel. The IEA ordered a historic release of 400 million barrels of emergency crude, with the US contributing 172 million barrels from its strategic petroleum reserve. Despite these efforts, oil prices remain volatile, and global stock markets have reacted negatively to the escalating conflict.

In March 2026, Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, released his first public statement. The statement addressed the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel. Khamenei declared that Iran would maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He further threatened to initiate new fronts in the conflict if the US and Israel continued their military actions. The statement signals a potentially escalating role for Iran in the existing war. The reasons behind the threat were cited as a response to the continued war efforts of the US and Israel.

In March 2026, despite US President Trump's claims of victory in the US-Israeli war on Iran, Iran's retaliatory strikes against Israel and US assets have continued, disrupting global markets. Following US-Israeli strikes on Tehran that killed Iranian leaders, Iran's Foreign Minister stated that bombings would not impact Iran's ability to wage war. Analysts suggest Iran is employing "asymmetric" warfare tactics due to its conventional military inferiority compared to the US and Israel. This involves unconventional methods like guerrilla tactics, cyberattacks, and the use of proxies to offset conventional weaknesses and exploit vulnerabilities. Experts say that these methods are central to Iran's grand strategy.

Israeli security sources have stated that Israel's attack on Iran lacked a clear plan for regime change, with hopes of a popular uprising considered unrealistic. Despite nearly two weeks of bombing raids and the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's leadership remains. The success of the conflict may depend on the fate of 440kg of enriched uranium, enough for multiple nuclear warheads, buried under a mountain. Sources say that if the regime survives and retains the uranium, Iran may pursue nuclear weapons. The US is reportedly considering a high-risk mission to secure the uranium, and pre-war negotiations included proposals for Iran to surrender it.

Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was injured in a US-led airstrike on February 28 that killed six of his family members, including his father, Tehran's ambassador to Cyprus has confirmed. The attack occurred at the presidential complex in Tehran during the holy month of Ramadan. Alireza Salarian, the Iranian ambassador to Cyprus, stated that Khamenei was injured in his legs and hand and arm, but is currently in the hospital due to his injuries. The attack also killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's wife, Mansour, and several other family members. Mojtaba Khamenei's injury has prevented him from appearing in public or making statements since he succeeded his father as supreme leader on Sunday. Iranian officials have described the extent of Khamenei's injuries as "lightly injured".

The article analyzes the ongoing Israeli-American war on Iran, stating that the conflict has become a contest of endurance. The central question is which side can withstand the most pain. The article, dated March 2026, suggests Iran's most effective weapon is its ability to damage the world economy, particularly through rising oil prices. This economic impact represents the United States' biggest vulnerability in continuing the campaign. The analysis highlights the potential for global economic disruption as a key factor in determining the war's outcome.

Amid rising tensions over oil shipments, the US military attacked and destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. This action followed reports that Iran had begun laying mines in the strategically important waterway, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil passes. The US military released footage of the attacks shortly after Donald Trump demanded the removal of any Iranian mines in the Strait. Oil shipments have been blocked since US-Israeli strikes on Iran 11 days prior, causing market volatility, further exacerbated by a retracted social media post from the US energy secretary claiming a successful US Navy escort of an oil tanker through the Strait. Iran has threatened to stop any movement of the US fleet and its allies in the region.

Reports of injury to Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, have surfaced following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. The son of the Iranian president, Yousef Pezeshkian, stated on Wednesday that Khamenei is "safe and sound," contradicting earlier reports. Khamenei assumed the role of Supreme Leader on Sunday after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28. The New York Times, citing unnamed Iranian officials, reported that Khamenei sustained injuries, possibly to his legs, and is currently in a secure location. The 56-year-old Khamenei, who has maintained a low public profile, has not yet addressed the nation since becoming Supreme Leader.

Reports from Iranian and Israeli officials indicate that Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, sustained leg injuries early in the Iran-Iraq War. The circumstances surrounding the injuries and their severity remain unclear. Mojtaba Khamenei was announced as the new Supreme Leader three days ago. Since his appointment, he has not been seen publicly. The reasons for his absence are unknown, but the reports of his war-related injuries may offer an explanation.

Chinese analysts believe the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new supreme leader will likely ensure continuity and stability in the country's policies, particularly regarding its relationship with China. Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was confirmed as the new supreme leader by Iran's Assembly of Experts on Monday. Analysts suggest Khamenei may maintain or even harden his father's hardline stance against the US and Israel, potentially driven by personal grievances stemming from the death of his wife during recent US-Israeli military strikes. This continuity is expected to stabilize ties between Beijing and Tehran, as Khamenei assumes ultimate authority over Iranian state affairs, including foreign policy and the nuclear program.

The article reports on the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, highlighting the Trump administration's inconsistent messaging regarding the war's timeline and objectives. Over the past 10 days, President Trump has given conflicting statements about the war's progress, potential end, and ultimate goals, causing market fluctuations. Initially, Trump suggested a swift conclusion, even hinting at a possible wrap-up, but later walked back those comments, indicating a willingness to intensify strikes if Iran continued to threaten oil tankers. He also stated the goal was to prevent Iran from developing weapons targeting the US, Israel, or allies. The mixed messages have created uncertainty surrounding the conflict's future and potential political ramifications for the Trump administration.

On March 10, 2026, some Iranians rallied in downtown Tehran to express their support for Mojtaba Khamenei. The demonstrations occurred amid speculation about his potential succession to the role of Supreme Leader. The rallies suggest a segment of the Iranian population is in favor of Mojtaba Khamenei assuming the position. The news article highlights these public displays of support, indicating a development in the ongoing discussion surrounding Iran's future leadership. The reason for the rallies is to show support for Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader.

On day 11 of the US-Israel war on Iran, March 10, 2026, intense bombardments continue in Tehran, where hundreds of thousands rallied in support of Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Despite ongoing attacks, including one on Arak that killed five, Iran vows to continue fighting, rejecting US President Trump's claim of a quick end to the war. Iran accuses the US of intending to partition the country and seize oil. Several nations, including China, Russia, and France, have contacted Iran regarding a ceasefire. Attacks on residential areas in Tehran have resulted in numerous casualties, with Iran reporting over 1,255 deaths and 10,000 injuries. The US is monitoring for potential activation of Iranian sleeper cells within the country.

On March 9, 2026, Iran launched new attacks at Gulf Arab countries, escalating pressure in the Middle East. These events occurred alongside internal political developments in Iran, including the announcement of Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late supreme leader, as the Islamic Republic's next ruler. Pro-government supporters gathered across Iran to pledge allegiance to the new leader. Simultaneously, an Israeli airstrike hit Dahiyeh, a suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. In Or Yehuda, a man was seriously injured in an explosion. Funerals were held in Tehran for Mehdi Hosseini, who was killed in a U.S.-Israeli strike.

On March 10, 2026, US President Donald Trump stated that the US and Israel are nearing their war objectives in Iran and that the conflict could end soon. This announcement comes as US and Israeli forces continue their bombardment of Iran. Simultaneously, large gatherings have occurred throughout Iran in support of the newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. The ongoing conflict involves the US, Israel, and Iran, with the US and Israel conducting attacks while Iranians rally in support of their new leader. The reasons behind the conflict and the specific objectives of the US and Israel were not detailed in this report.

Following US and Israeli strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader, triggering a major regional crisis, BRICS has remained silent, failing to issue a joint statement. This silence, despite individual condemnations from members like China, Russia, and Brazil, highlights the bloc's struggle to unify its voice after recent expansion. The inclusion of Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, intended to strengthen BRICS's position in a multipolar world, has instead created internal divisions. Iran's retaliatory strikes against US assets in the region, including in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, further complicate the situation, demonstrating the challenges BRICS faces in achieving consensus amidst conflicting member interests. The expansion, scheduled to take effect in January 2024, appears to have outpaced the bloc's ability to act cohesively.

Amidst an ongoing war with the United States and Israel, Iran's Assembly of Experts has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28, 2026. The 56-year-old, with strong ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is seen as a figure of continuity for the theocratic establishment. The IRGC, along with the Iranian army, police, Defence Council, and Intelligence Minister, have pledged their allegiance to the new leader. The IRGC stated its forces are ready to obey Khamenei's commands to uphold the values of the Islamic revolution. This transition occurs as Iran faces external conflict, signaling a potential continuation of existing policies.

Following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, top clerics selected Mojtaba Khamenei as his successor. This decision occurred despite prior warnings from former U.S. President Trump deeming Khamenei "unacceptable." The selection signals a continuation of the existing political direction in Iran. Simultaneously, global oil markets reacted strongly to the ongoing war, with prices reaching their highest levels since the pandemic began. The price surge reflects increasing concerns about the potential for a protracted conflict and its impact on oil supplies. The events highlight a period of political transition in Iran amidst international tensions.

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an Israeli strike, his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been named the new Supreme Leader of Iran. The announcement was made on Iranian state TV on Monday, March 9, 2026, stating Mojtaba was selected based on "strong" votes. Celebrations reportedly erupted in Tehran after the announcement. Mojtaba Khamenei, who has never held an elected or appointed government position, was considered a potential successor prior to his father's death. The appointment comes amidst a military campaign involving the U.S. and Israel, which has included strikes on Tehran and elsewhere, and has sent oil prices soaring.

The US and Israel launched airstrikes on targets across Iran on Monday, marking an escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict, now in its second week. These strikes coincided with Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, US bases in the Middle East, and Gulf energy infrastructure. The attacks and counter-attacks occurred as large crowds gathered in Tehran to support Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's newly appointed supreme leader. The reason for the strikes is the ongoing conflict between the involved nations. The strikes and public support for the new leader signal a deepening crisis in the region.

On March 9, 2026, Mojtaba Khamenei was named Iran's new supreme leader, succeeding his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This transition occurred amidst ongoing attacks on Iran by the US and Israel, with explosions reported in Qom and Tehran. Israeli attacks on Iranian oil facilities earlier caused toxic smoke to spread across Tehran. Iran's military and political leaders have reportedly pledged allegiance to the new supreme leader. Saudi Arabia has reported two deaths amid Iranian counterattacks.

Following a weekend of escalating conflict in the Middle East, Mojtaba Khamenei has assumed leadership in Iran, succeeding his late father. This transition occurs as oil prices surpass $100 a barrel and regional casualties mount. Over the weekend, both sides struck new targets, including civilian infrastructure, with Bahrain accusing Iran of attacking a desalination plant and Israel targeting oil depots in Tehran. The US reported another soldier's death, and Saudi Arabia announced its first fatalities. The conflict, now in its tenth day, has displaced over half a million people in Lebanon and resulted in hundreds of deaths there, with Israel warning of a prolonged war.

On March 9, 2026, global oil prices surged past $100 a barrel, exceeding a 20% increase, due to the ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Brent crude reached over $114 a barrel before settling around $107.50. The conflict, which began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has disrupted global energy supplies, with Iran halting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route. In response, Iraq, the UAE, and Kuwait, major OPEC producers, have cut production. US President Trump dismissed concerns, predicting a rapid price drop after the conflict ends, while the Energy Secretary called any price increases temporary.

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid escalating conflict, Iran has signaled that his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is likely to be named the new supreme leader. Ayatollah Hosseinali Eshkevari stated a vote had been cast, and another cleric indicated the announcement would be made by Hosseini Bushehri. Wartime conditions have prevented a public gathering to confirm the selection. The news comes as Israel reportedly struck fuel depots in Tehran, and Bahrain claimed an Iranian attack damaged a desalination plant. US President Donald Trump asserted that Washington should have a say in the selection process, implying potential consequences if the chosen leader doesn't receive US approval.

Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike, Iran's Assembly of Experts has reportedly reached a consensus on his successor. According to Assembly member Ayatollah Mohammad-Mahdi Mirbagheri, the selection process faces some remaining obstacles. The 88-member Assembly is constitutionally authorized to choose the Supreme Leader. Israeli military officials have threatened members of the Assembly of Experts against participating in the selection process. Another member of the body, Hojjatoleslam Jafari, expressed hope that the Iranian people will be satisfied with the decision, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

Iranian state TV announced on Sunday that Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been named his successor. Mojtaba Khamenei was considered a potential successor even before his father was killed in an Israeli strike at the start of the war. The strike, which targeted the supreme leader's offices, also killed Mojtaba's wife. Despite being a secretive figure, Mojtaba had long been viewed as a contender for the position. He assumes the role despite never having been elected or appointed to any government position.

Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes, Iran has appointed his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader. The announcement was made by clerics, with support quickly pledged by the IRGC, armed forces, and key political figures. Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has been a highly influential figure within the Supreme Leader's inner circle for decades, cultivating strong ties to the IRGC. Analysts suggest his appointment indicates the continued power of hardline factions within the Iranian government. As the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei will lead Iran through a period of significant crisis amidst a growing regional war.

Iran's Assembly of Experts has selected a new Supreme Leader to succeed Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US-Israeli strike in late February. While the chosen successor's name has not been publicly announced, the selection was confirmed by multiple members of the Assembly. Israel has warned it will target any successor and those involved in the appointment. Mojtaba Khamenei, the deceased leader's son, was considered a frontrunner, although his appointment faces opposition due to concerns about dynastic succession and the regime's human rights record. The selection process occurs amid escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, including strikes on energy infrastructure across the Gulf and inside Iran, with Russia reportedly providing Iran with intelligence.

In March 2026, Iran's Assembly of Experts is responsible for selecting the nation's next Supreme Leader. The Assembly of Experts is a body within the Iranian government. This follows the precedent set in 1989, when the Assembly elected Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to the position. The selection process is significant because the Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority in Iran's political system. The article highlights the Assembly's crucial role in determining the future leadership of Iran.

In March 2026, following a joint US-Israeli offensive that assassinated Iran's top leadership, the country faces a power vacuum and an uncertain future. The remaining Iranian leadership is struggling to maintain control amidst concerns that the war could lead to chaos, especially after mass antigovernment demonstrations in January. With President Trump's stated desire for regime change, the complex structure of Iran's leadership, including parallel armies and multiple intelligence services, is being tested. The article explores whether Iran's leadership will survive or if the situation is spiraling out of control, featuring analysis from experts including a former Iranian deputy vice president and a former US ambassador. The discussion aims to understand how the war is unfolding within Iran.

Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is being considered as a possible successor amidst ongoing conflict. The Israeli airstrike that killed his father and wife has elevated his profile, despite his lack of elected or appointed government positions. Mojtaba, a secretive figure, has not been seen publicly since the attack and is believed to be in hiding. His potential succession has been criticized as resembling a hereditary monarchy, a departure from the Islamic Republic's principles. The possibility of Mojtaba Khamenei assuming the role of Supreme Leader is circulating as American and Israeli airstrikes continue in Iran.

Mojtaba Khamenei is the son of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and is being discussed as a possible successor. The article focuses on the potential implications of his selection. The discussion arises after a strike on a compound on Saturday killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This potential succession is significant because it could provoke anger among Iranians who desire political change. The article suggests that the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei could be a pivotal moment for Iran's future, given the existing desire for change.

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared that whoever is chosen as Iran's next Supreme Leader will be considered a target for elimination. Katz made the statement on X, asserting that any leader continuing a plan to destroy Israel and threaten the US would be targeted. This threat follows an Israeli strike on a building associated with Iran's Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for selecting the new Supreme Leader. The statement escalates tensions between the two countries amidst ongoing conflict. Iranians are preparing for a farewell ceremony for Khamenei.