Huge crowds in Mashhad as Iran's late supreme leader is buried

Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was buried at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace, concluding six days of public mourning. Khamenei, who held power for 37 years, maintained a firm grip on Iranian politics and adopted hard-line stances on foreign policy. The government aimed for the funeral ceremonies to project unity following a war and recent protests. However, the mourning period coincided with renewed hostilities between Iran and the US, with both sides launching retaliatory strikes. This escalation occurred despite a recent memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran aimed at ending hostilities and resolving issues including Iran's nuclear program and sanctions.

Supreme leader Ali Khamenei was buried Friday in Mashhad, Iran, following a ceremony at the shrine of Imam Reza. His burial occurred after a period of mourning where loyalists called for revenge and rejected compromise with the West. The article states an Israeli strike killed Khamenei in late February, marking the beginning of a US-Israeli war against Iran and ending his over 35-year tenure. State television reported on the burial, noting that Khamenei's son and successor was not seen at the ceremony. The events unfolded as Iran and the US reportedly traded further attacks.