The article discusses the massive turnout at the funeral of Iran's former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, with millions of mourners in Tehran and other cities.

While the government frames the event as a demonstration of support for the clerical establishment, analysts highlight underlying divisions and demands for change.The funeral, which included processions in Qom and Najaf, was seen as a state-led mobilisation effort to project unity against external threats.

However, the event also exposed the regime's fractured support base, with some mourners expressing opposition to Khamenei's policies despite their loyalty to the system.

The article explores the political implications of the funeral, including its potential to legitimise the government's stance against the US and the broader tensions within Iranian society.

Scholars note that while the regime maintains a significant social base, the event underscores the complexity of Iran's political landscape, balancing national pride with calls for reform.