DUBAI: Iran is gearing up for a series of massive funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country’s supreme leader, who was killed in attacks by the US and Israel. These events aim to showcase public loyalty to the Islamic Republic and demonstrate that its revolutionary spirit is still alive. The funeral rites will start this weekend in Tehran, with large processions planned for next week in Qom and Mashhad, along with ceremonies in Iraq.
Ayatollah Mohammad Saidi, a prominent figure in Qom, told state media that the turnout for these funerals could serve as a sort of referendum on the Islamic Republic. Officials are determined to ensure significant participation, planning for transportation, lodging, and food to encourage millions to gather in cities across Iran. They see this as a way to reinforce the strength of their government after what they considered an existential struggle during the conflict.
Khamenei’s death, alongside the potential rise of his son Mojtaba as the next supreme leader, marks a significant chapter in Iran’s 47-year history. Mojtaba, who was injured in the same attack that claimed his father’s life, has not appeared in public since the war began.
However, despite this show of unity, many analysts believe that public support for the regime is weakening. Many Iranians are frustrated with years of sanctions impacting their economy and are angered by repression tied to a revolution over four decades ago, which is only remembered by older generations.
Recent protests in December and January, sparked by rising prices, saw people calling for Khamenei’s downfall, and the authorities responded harshly, cracking down on the demonstrations. In the early days following the announcement of Khamenei’s death, reports emerged of residents in Tehran celebrating quietly within their homes.
Today, Tehran feels tense and subdued, unlike the emotional scenes that followed the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, when millions turned out in sorrowful processions. In contrast, the atmosphere now reflects a more complicated sentiment among the people.
