Middle East live: Iran begins days-long funeral for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Iran began a days-long funeral for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday. Khamenei, who was 86 years old, was killed in an airstrike at the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran. The funeral commenced with the unveiling of his casket in a glass case at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran, where mourners expressed their grief. The event is significant as it marks the passing of a leader who governed Iran for over three decades. Authorities anticipate a massive turnout for the funeral ceremonies, expecting between 15 and 20 million participants in Tehran alone over the next three days. This gathering is intended to demonstrate strength to the Islamic Republic's adversaries. The ceremonies are not only a tribute to Khamenei but also serve as a display of solidarity among his supporters during a time of conflict. In total, six days of funeral ceremonies are planned to honor Khamenei. The scale of the event reflects the profound impact he had on Iran's political landscape and the deep emotions felt by many Iranians in response to his death. The ceremonies are being broadcasted on state television, further emphasizing their importance to the nation.