Multi-day funeral ceremonies have begun in Tehran for the late Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike during the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.
The ceremonies, which will last from July 4 to 9, include public tributes, a funeral, burial and a final pilgrimage in honor of the Iranian leader.
Thousands of worshippers gathered at the Grand Mosque in Tehran, where Khamenei's coffin, covered in his black turban, lies. The religious complex is decorated with large portraits of the former leader, black flags in mourning and red flags, symbols of martyrdom and revenge.
According to Iranian authorities, between 15 and 20 million people are expected to attend the memorial ceremonies in Tehran alone.
Khamenei, who led Iran for decades and was the Islamic Republic's longest-serving leader after the 1979 Revolution, was killed at the age of 86 in an attack on his residence during the first day of bombings launched by the US and Israel.
During the tributes, many participants carried red flags with the inscription "Martyr", while shouts against the United States and Israel were heard in the crowd, as well as slogans demanding revenge for the assassination of the Iranian leader.
