Thousands of mourners gathered in Mashhad on Thursday for the burial of Iran's assassinated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, bringing to a close six days of funeral ceremonies held across Iran and Iraq.The procession took place at the Shrine of Imam Reza, one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam and Khamenei's chosen burial place.

Despite hot weather, large crowds dressed in black attended the ceremony, with many carrying red flags symbolising revenge and expressing anger over Khamenei's assassination in an Israeli strike during the opening stages of the Middle East war in late February.Several participants openly called for retaliation, reflecting strong public emotions despite ongoing diplomatic developments.The funeral came at a time of renewed hostilities involving Iran and the United States, even after a recent agreement intended to end the conflict.Authorities deployed security measures, including fighter jet escorts for the aircraft carrying Khamenei's coffin.State officials estimated that millions of people could attend the final ceremonies, although independent verification was not available.

Attention also remained focused on Khamenei's son and designated successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since reportedly being injured in the same attack.Iran's leadership hopes the funeral will demonstrate national unity following months of war and domestic unrest.Khamenei was buried alongside several close family members who were also killed in the February strikes.

The ceremony concluded at one of Iran's most significant religious sites, reinforcing both its religious symbolism and political importance during a period of heightened regional instability.