Mass protests have erupted in Iran as thousands gather to mourn Khamenei and denounce the US-Israel strike

Iranians are gathering across the country to commemorate the 40-day mourning period for Khamenei, denouncing the US-Israel strike and expressing opposition to proposed diplomatic discussions overseas.

Thousands of Iranians have gathered in nationwide rallies to pay tribute to the late supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who lost his life in a US-Israeli strike at the beginning of a recent conflict, as public frustration rises over expected diplomatic discussions.

The demonstrations, which took place on Thursday, signified the 40-day mourning period after Khamenei’s death—an essential practice in Islamic tradition. During gatherings across the country, supporters held portraits of the late leader and waved Iranian flags.

The most significant gatherings occurred in the capital, Tehran, where daily life has started to normalize after a delicate ceasefire was implemented on Tuesday night. Additional notable rallies occurred in Urmia and Gorgan.

Khamenei, aged 86, had been at the helm of the Islamic Republic for over thirty years before his assassination on February 28, an event that Iranian authorities characterized as a coordinated strike by the US and Israel on his residence in Tehran. The assault allegedly resulted in the deaths of numerous high-ranking military personnel and government officials.

President Masoud Pezeshkian was among those paying tribute, attending the ceremony and interacting with mourners, as shown in images broadcast on state television.

A 33-year-old private-sector employee, Maryam Esmaeili, expressed her grief and anger as she condemned the killing. “The assassination of our cherished leader was undeniably cowardly,” she stated, emphasizing that the United States and Israel had “overstepped our red line.”

The commemorations commenced at 9:40 a.m. local time—the precise moment the tragic strikes took place—highlighting the profound importance of the tribute.

At the same time, political tensions continue to escalate as Iran gears up for anticipated discussions in Pakistan later this week, with certain protesters expressing their dissent against diplomatic efforts following the attack.

In early March, Khamenei was succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not made any public appearances since allegedly being injured in a separate attack, as stated by Iranian officials.

The rallies embody a sense of national grief alongside escalating political strain, as Iran grapples with the consequences of the assassination and the potential for renewed diplomatic initiatives.