Iran Buries Khamenei Amid Fresh US-Iran Strikes
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was buried Thursday. His burial took place at a shrine in Mashhad, Iran.
It was the final stage of a week of funeral events. The procession in Mashhad was delayed by several hours.
Hours before the delay the US and Iran traded strikes. The week of funeral events happened at the same time as a rise in fighting between the two countries.
The ceremonies were meant to show unity in Iran. But Iran is deeply divided over Khamenei's long rule.
His son Mojtaba Khamenei took over as Supreme Leader. Yet Mojtaba has not made any public appearances since taking the role.
Klear Note — Iran's Supreme Leader is the country's highest political authority. Khamenei held this position for 34 years. His death marks a major shift in Iran's leadership.
Key Terms 4
- Ayatollah A senior religious leader in Iran's Islamic government
- Supreme Leader Iran's most powerful political and religious position
- Mashhad A major city in northeast Iran
- Shrine of Imam Reza A sacred Islamic site in Mashhad, Iran