Enormous crowds gathered in Mashhad in preparation for the burial of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, overshadowed by a renewed exchange of strikes between the US and Iran.
The burial in Mr Khamenei’s hometown on Thursday comes after mass funeral processions and mourning ceremonies held in Tehran, Qom and neighbouring Iraq. Funeral events have been filled with symbolism, aimed at projecting strength and unity at a time of instability for the country as it navigates its way forward after US and Israeli strikes killed Mr Khamenei and other top officials.
Iranian media reported that military fighter jets were deployed to ensure airspace security during the burial procession.
Funeral ceremonies will extend into Friday with prayers in Qom, state media reported.
