Read our editorials on the US imperialist war of aggression against Iran here and here.
Martyred former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s six-day funeral processions drew an estimated 41 to 43 million attendees earlier this month, breaking the record for the most attended funeral. His casket was carried through three Iranian cities and two Iraqi cities before his burial at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, Iran on July 9.
On July 7 and 8, the US struck approximately 170 Iranian military targets, according to the US Central Command, as well as civilian infrastructure including a rail line connecting mourners to the funeral proceedings, according to Iranian press. On July 9, explosions were reported in southern Iran. Despite the attacks, attendance far exceeded Iranian government estimates, forcing delays to the funeral procession in Mashhad. Over 45 tributes to Khamenei were issued from other countries.
Mourners chanted anti-imperialist slogans, including “Death to America” and “I swear by the blood of the Supreme Leader, Trump, we will kill you.”
Symbolic funeral processions were also held in Lebanon, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bahrain, and other countries.
The mass attendance at the funeral forced monopoly media to admit Iran’s strength. The Washington Post wrote that “a regime that has survived months of attack by the United States and Israel is projecting a show of strength with enormous crowds and the reappearance of military leaders.”
CNN similarly reported that “The weight of support evident this week puts into question the notion that regime change in Iran is a feasible proposition for Iran’s enemies abroad.” Monopoly media journalists covering the funeral noted that the US-Israeli tactic of targeted assassinations, intended to destabilize Iran and incite rebellion, has instead inflamed the resistance.
Khamenei was assassinated by US-Israeli forces on February 28 alongside four members of his family during the opening stages of the war against Iran. Among those honored during the funeral was his 14-month-old granddaughter, Zahra Mohammadi Golpayegani, whose small casket was displayed beside his during the processions.
Khamenei died a staunch supporter of armed resistance against US aggression. Shortly before his assassination, he declared, “We are not the initiators and do not want to attack any country, but the Iranian nation will strike a strong blow against anyone who attacks and harasses them.”
The Iranian government has made good on his promise and continues to wage a war of national resistance, carrying out strikes on US targets and enforcing its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Image: Mourners participate in Khamenei’s funeral procession in Mashhad, Iran, on July 9. Credit: Khamenei.ir.
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