Lagatar24 Desk
US President Donald Trump declared that America had knocked the hell out of Iran as Tehran began a six-day state funeral for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 when the US and Israel began striking Iran, triggering a war in the Middle East.
Trump Speaks Near Mount Rushmore
Speaking at an event near Mount Rushmore, Trump said the US gave Iran a week off for the funeral. He also claimed victory over Venezuela in a single day and said Iran is desperate to reach a settlement, adding that the US showed generosity by allowing the mourning period.
Khamenei Ruled Iran for 36 Years
Ali Khamenei had ruled Iran for 36 years before he was killed on February 28 in US-Israeli airstrikes. While Islamic jurisprudence typically requires burial within 24 hours, an exception was made due to the state of war. Iran chose July 4, the 250th anniversary of American independence, to begin the funeral proceedings.
Six-Day Funeral to Conclude With Burial in Mashhad
The funeral rituals will include events in the holy city of Qom on July 7 and will conclude on July 9 with Khamenei’s burial in his hometown, the northeastern holy city of Mashhad. Iranian authorities expect millions of mourners to participate across the six days, making it one of the most closely watched global events.
Khamenei’s Son May Skip Funeral Over Security Fears
Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei will reportedly not attend his father’s funeral due to security concerns. His representative in India said that Israeli threats and surveillance risks would make his public appearance dangerous.
Tiny Coffin of 14-Month-Old Granddaughter Placed Beside Khamenei
In a deeply moving moment during the funeral ceremony, a tiny coffin carrying the body of Khamenei’s 14-month-old granddaughter, who was also killed in the US-Israeli strikes, was placed beside the Supreme Leader’s coffin. The bodies of other relatives killed in the strikes were also placed alongside him.
US-Iran Truce Remains Fragile
Since the US-Iran deal was signed last month, both sides have continued exchanging fire in the Middle East, keeping the truce in a fragile state, though hostilities appear to have eased somewhat in recent days. Anti-Trump sentiments were visible among mourners in Tehran, with some holding flags reading KillTrump at the Grand Mosalla.
