Mass funeral processions in Tehran and other cities drew large crowds of supporters who praised Khamenei as a defender of the Islamic Republic and an opponent of the United States and Israel. At the same time, many Iranians reflected on years of political repression, economic hardship and growing polarization that critics say intensified during his leadership.

Interviews conducted by The Associated Press with Iranians from different backgrounds highlighted starkly different views of Khamenei’s rule, underscoring the divisions that continue to shape the country’s political landscape as its leadership transitions to a new era.

A legacy that divided Iranian society

One Tehran-based technology worker, speaking anonymously for security reasons, said Khamenei’s leadership widened political and religious divisions even within families.

Raised in a traditional religious household in Qom, the center of Shiite religious scholarship in Iran, he said he abandoned both regular prayer and support for clerical rule while still in his twenties. Today, he said, political and religious disagreements have become so severe that meaningful discussions with relatives are nearly impossible.

He described Iranian society as deeply fractured, blaming Khamenei for creating divisions that extend beyond supporters and opponents of the Islamic Republic.

Funeral ceremonies, however, presented a contrasting image. Many mourners portrayed Khamenei as a martyr whose resistance to Western pressure and Israel defined his leadership. Some participants echoed hard-line slogans opposing negotiations with Washington, while others called for retaliation following his death.

“Our goal is to prove to the world that we will not submit to oppression and tyranny, and that we will avenge the blood of our leader,” 60-year-old mourner Hossein Akbari said during the funeral in Tehran.

Three decades of expanding state power

Khamenei became Iran’s supreme leader in 1989 after the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who led the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the U.S.-backed shah.

Throughout more than three decades in office, Khamenei expanded Iran’s nuclear program, developed its missile capabilities and strengthened alliances with armed groups across the Middle East while resisting international sanctions and pressure.

Domestically, he consolidated clerical rule by weakening reformist movements and significantly expanding the influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps across military, political and economic institutions. His government also maintained strict enforcement of religious and social regulations despite growing demands among younger Iranians for greater personal freedoms.

Protest crackdowns reshaped public opinion

Many observers view the government’s suppression of mass protests following the disputed 2009 presidential election as a defining moment of Khamenei’s rule. Security forces killed dozens while suppressing demonstrations challenging the election outcome, weakening hopes among many reform-minded Iranians that change could be achieved through political participation.

A senior adviser to reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged last month that Iranian society had become “severely polarized” between committed supporters of the Islamic Republic and those seeking its collapse. Ali Rabiei, quoted by the state news agency IRNA, said a large segment of society remained between those competing camps and could support gradual reforms within the existing political system.

Election turnout has reflected growing public disillusionment. Participation in Iran’s most recent presidential election fell to one of the lowest levels on record, although reformist candidate Pezeshkian ultimately secured 16.3 million votes compared with 13.5 million for his hard-line rival.

January crackdown deepened public anger

Successive waves of protests since 2009 have been met with force, but January’s nationwide demonstrations became the deadliest in recent years after security forces killed thousands while suppressing protests that began over economic conditions before expanding into calls for Khamenei’s removal.

The sister of a protester killed in Tehran on Jan. 9 described Khamenei’s legacy as one of “injustice,” saying her family continues to struggle emotionally and financially following her sister’s death.

She said worsening economic conditions have added to the hardship facing ordinary families, with workers increasingly unable to afford basic necessities.

During this year’s Ashoura commemorations, videos shared on social media showed some participants carrying photographs of relatives killed during the January crackdown, reflecting a quieter form of public dissent. The authenticity of those videos could not be independently verified.

Uncertain future after Khamenei

Despite Khamenei’s death and the recent U.S.-Israeli military campaign, Iran’s leadership has remained intact. Authorities emerged from the conflict with an interim agreement with the United States that could eventually lead to sanctions relief if negotiations produce a comprehensive nuclear agreement, although the outcome remains uncertain.

A 35-year-old woman who participated in January’s protests said the interim deal represented a political success for the Islamic Republic but cautioned that ordinary Iranians would judge it by whether it produced meaningful improvements in daily life.

She also expressed concern over growing divisions among opponents of clerical rule, with some favoring rapid political change while others advocate gradual reform.

Economic hardship remains the most immediate concern for many Iranians. A 33-year-old former technology worker in Tehran said rising unemployment, inflation and falling incomes have left many families focused simply on paying for rent and food after layoffs spread through the private sector.

Governance challenges remain

Rebin Rahmani, director of the Kurdish Human Rights Network, said the Islamic Republic continued relying on security measures rather than political reforms to address mounting economic and social challenges, warning that periodic unrest was likely to continue.

Within the government, President Pezeshkian and other pragmatists hope ongoing negotiations with Washington could eventually secure sanctions relief and help revive Iran’s economy. According to the report, they currently appear to have tentative backing from Khamenei’s son and successor, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who remains in hiding and has expressed cautious support for continued talks in a written statement.

Ali Vaez, Iran director at the International Crisis Group, said the country’s greatest challenge may emerge after wartime unity fades.

“Wartime gave the system a degree of cohesion under shared duress,” Vaez said. “But the governance challenges remain just as stark.”

As Iran moves beyond Khamenei’s rule, competing political factions now face the task of defining the future direction of the Islamic Republic while confronting persistent economic difficulties and a society that remains deeply divided.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Topics: Iran | Ali Khamenei | Middle East | Iranian Politics | U.S.-Iran Relations | Political Unrest | Economic Crisis | Nuclear Talks

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The funeral, attended by hundreds of thousands of mourners according to the Associated Press, became a display of political unity as senior government officials, military commanders and members of the Khamenei family appeared together following weeks of heightened tensions. The ceremonies come after the Feb. 28 attack that killed the 86-year-old leader and several senior Iranian officials, setting off a regional conflict that ended with an April ceasefire.

Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has not appeared during the multi-day funeral ceremonies. He is believed to be in hiding after reportedly being wounded in the strike that killed his father. During the conflict, Israel targeted senior Iranian officials and previously threatened the younger Khamenei.

Senior Leadership Appears at Funeral

Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani, a 97-year-old Shiite cleric, led funeral prayers at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla. Among those attending were Khamenei’s sons Masoud, Meysam and Mostafa, who had not been seen publicly since the outbreak of the war.

President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Esmail Qaani, commander of the Revolutionary Guard’s elite Quds Force, also attended the ceremony.

Revolutionary Guard chief Gen. Ahmad Vahidi was seen publicly for the first time since the conflict, surrounded by plainclothes security personnel while wearing a black baseball cap.

Crowds dressed in black carried portraits, banners and flags honoring Khamenei as mourners filled the prayer grounds in larger numbers than the previous day.

Calls for Retaliation Echo Through Ceremony

Many attendees chanted slogans including “Death to America” and “Death to Israel,” while some demanded retaliation for Khamenei’s killing.

Posters and graffiti displayed at the Grand Mosalla also called for the deaths of U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Poet Mohammad Rasouli, who addressed the crowd before the prayers, referred to Trump while telling mourners that “the world is no longer a good place” for the U.S. president, drawing cheers from those gathered.

Some mourners voiced support for carrying out revenge only after receiving guidance from Iran’s new supreme leader.

“I heard the call for revenge, but our leader should say what we need to do,” nurse Ziba Naderi said. “And we must listen to him.”

Another mourner, grocery worker Gholamreza Sabooni, said he attended the funeral seeking revenge over Khamenei’s death and called for action against Trump.

Diplomatic Talks Delayed After Funeral

The funeral ceremonies have also delayed diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington.

According to the Associated Press, the United States is continuing efforts to negotiate a permanent end to the conflict, including discussions involving Iran’s disputed nuclear program and the future of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes for energy exports.

The talks are expected to remain on hold until after Khamenei’s burial.

Iran is also seeking greater influence over activity in the Strait of Hormuz, demands that Washington has rejected. The two sides remain divided over Tehran’s nuclear activities as well as regional issues involving the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.

A multinational maritime organization overseen by the U.S. Navy said Sunday that 70 commercial transits had been assisted through the Strait of Hormuz during the previous 72 hours, including 18 on Saturday. While maritime traffic has remained steady near Oman and Iran, it continues below levels seen before the conflict. The organization said the security threat remained “substantial” as mine-clearing and survey operations continued.

Funeral Procession Continues Across Iran

Iranian authorities plan to transport Khamenei’s body to multiple cities across Iran as well as neighboring Iraq before his burial.

His casket and those of other officials killed in the strike are scheduled to be driven through Tehran on Monday. Authorities have closed roads, restricted airspace and suspended much of daily activity during the official mourning period.

The ceremonies are expected to conclude Thursday with Khamenei’s burial at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace.

Authorities have not released official attendance figures for the funeral events, while mourning ceremonies have also taken place in cities across the country.

The coming days are expected to focus on the completion of the funeral process before diplomatic negotiations with the United States resume amid continuing disagreements over regional security and Iran’s nuclear program.

Topics: Iran | Ayatollah Khamenei | Middle East | Nuclear Talks | United States | Strait of Hormuz | Regional Security | Funeral

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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Photographs published by Iranian state media showed Vahidi attending a meeting on funeral preparations before later appearing beside Khamenei’s casket during a smaller memorial service held Thursday night near the late supreme leader’s former residence in central Tehran.

According to the AP, Vahidi had not appeared publicly since Feb. 8, weeks before the conflict referred to as the Iran war began.

Senior Commander Returns to Public View

The AP reported that Vahidi has become an influential figure in shaping Iran’s position during negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent end to the war with the United States.

The report also said Vahidi is believed to be among a small group maintaining direct contact with Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. According to the AP, Mojtaba Khamenei has remained out of public view after reportedly being wounded in Israeli strikes on Feb. 28 that killed his father. Those reports were not independently verified in the supplied material.

Funeral Ceremonies Begin in Tehran

Video released by Iranian state media showed mourners gathering at the husseiniyah within Khamenei’s compound in Tehran for an initial farewell ceremony.

State media said Khamenei’s body rested inside a coffin placed on a stage decorated with red tulips, while paper butterflies hung overhead. Mourners, many identified by state media as relatives of people killed during the 12-day war in 2025 and the recent Iran war, took part in traditional mourning rituals by handing scarves and personal belongings to attendants to briefly touch the casket.

Later images broadcast by state media showed the coffin draped with a red flag bearing the inscription “Ya Hussein,” a Shiite expression commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

According to the report, the flag had previously flown above the Imam Hussein shrine in Karbala, Iraq, and traditionally symbolizes both unjustly shed blood and a call for vengeance within Shiite tradition.

Nationwide Mourning Planned

Iran is scheduled to begin official funeral ceremonies on Saturday at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran, where authorities are expected to close roads and suspend much of the city’s normal activity as large crowds gather to pay their respects.

Following the ceremony in the capital, Khamenei’s body will be transported to several cities across Iran as well as neighboring Iraq as part of the extended funeral observances, according to the AP.

The funeral comes during a sensitive period for Iran as the country continues to navigate political transition and diplomatic negotiations following the recent conflict. While preparations for the ceremonies are underway, international attention remains focused on Iran’s evolving leadership and the outcome of efforts to reach a lasting settlement to the war.

Tags: Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Ahmad Vahidi, Mojtaba Khamenei, Revolutionary Guard, Tehran, State Funeral, Middle East, Iran Politics, Iraq, Regional Security, Diplomacy

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Khamenei, who succeeded the Islamic Republic’s founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, steered Iran through decades of domestic unrest and regional conflict, expanding the authority of the Shiite clerical establishment and the Revolutionary Guard. His tenure saw the country confront both popular demands for reform and external pressure over its nuclear ambitions and military interventions. Analysts note that his passing opens an uncertain chapter for Iran’s political system, with the selection of a successor by the Assembly of Experts likely to determine the country’s immediate trajectory.

Khamenei’s death follows a major military strike reportedly carried out by Israel and the United States, which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and senior officials. Iranian authorities announced 40 days of public mourning and a seven-day national holiday to mark his passing.

Early life and rise to power

Born in Mashhad in 1939, Khamenei studied under Khomeini at the Qom seminary and joined the anti-shah movement, enduring imprisonment and periods in hiding. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, he served on the Revolutionary Council and later became Iran’s third president in 1981. A bombing the same year left him partially paralyzed.

Following Khomeini’s death in 1989, Khamenei was elevated to supreme leader and granted the rank of grand ayatollah, despite initial questions over his religious credentials. Over the subsequent decades, he solidified control over Iran’s government, expanding the clerical bureaucracy and embedding the Revolutionary Guard within both military and economic structures.

Domestic governance and unrest

Khamenei maintained a tight grip on political power, curbing reformist movements and suppressing opposition. Key challenges included the 1997 election of reformist President Mohammad Khatami, the disputed 2009 reelection of hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and widespread protests following economic hardship in 2017 and 2019.

The 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, detained for allegedly violating hijab rules, sparked nationwide demonstrations that were met with lethal crackdowns. Analysts cite such unrest as indicative of broader societal discontent, with repeated waves of protests challenging both Khamenei’s authority and the wider clerical establishment.

Regional influence and proxy strategy

Under Khamenei, Iran shifted from conventional military engagements to supporting regional proxies. The Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force played a central role in backing Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthi rebels in Yemen, and Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria. These operations extended Iran’s influence but also drew international scrutiny and retaliatory strikes.

The October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent Israeli operations destabilized long-standing regional alliances, with Iran and Israel engaging directly in 2024 and again in mid-2025. These conflicts underscored both the reach and the limits of Iran’s proxy strategy.

Nuclear program and international confrontation

Khamenei oversaw Iran’s nuclear ambitions, rejecting U.S. sanctions and negotiations that he deemed insufficient. Despite a 2015 nuclear deal, the country’s uranium enrichment levels accelerated after the U.S. withdrawal from the accord in 2018. By 2025, Iran had amassed near-weapons-grade uranium, heightening global concerns.

Repeated talks with the United States and allied pressure failed to resolve the nuclear standoff. Military strikes by Israel and the U.S. targeted facilities and personnel, inflicting substantial damage while leaving the program’s overall progress uncertain.

Uncertain succession

Iran’s Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body of clerics, is responsible for selecting Khamenei’s successor. No clear heir has been publicly identified, and analysts suggest that the Revolutionary Guard will play a decisive role in shaping the transition. The nation of 90 million faces a period of political uncertainty amid ongoing economic challenges, international scrutiny, and public calls for reform.

Khamenei’s death marks the end of an era in Iran, closing a chapter defined by clerical consolidation, regional interventions, and enduring tensions with the West. How his successors navigate these internal and external pressures will shape Iran’s trajectory for years to come.

Source: AP News – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led the Islamic Republic since 1989, is dead at 86

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