Huge crowds expected as Khamenei funeral ceremonies open in Iran

AI Summary

Huge crowds are expected to attend the funeral ceremonies of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran, with authorities anticipating 15 to 20 million participants over three days. The events aim to demonstrate Iran's internal unity and strength to external adversaries.

Huge crowds of Iranians were expected to pay their final respects to supreme leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday at the start of marathon funeral ceremonies intended to serve as a show of strength to the Islamic republic's foes. Iranian authorities say they anticipate between 15 and 20 million participants in Tehran alone over the next three days for tributes to the man who ran the country for three-and-a-half decades.