Iran Plans Multi-Day Funeral for Supreme Leader Khamenei After War Death

Iran's ruling theocracy is preparing for a multi-day state funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has died in war. According to authorities' plans, millions of people could flood the streets of the capital Tehran starting Saturday to bid farewell to the leader. Such mass participation would echo the events of 1989, when the previous Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, was buried. At that time, millions of Iranians took part in the funeral procession, demonstrating massive support for the regime. The planned funeral will last several days, and authorities hope it will become another powerful display of regime unity. Khamenei had been Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989 and died in a war, the details of which have not been disclosed. Organizing the funeral is a complex logistical task given the anticipated enormous crowd.