Iran Buries Khamenei as New Strikes Threaten Ceasefire
World
The burial of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei brought six days of national mourning to an end, but a renewed exchange of strikes between Tehran and Washington has intensified fears of a return to full-scale conflict.
Khamenei’s coffin, draped in the Iranian flag, was carried into the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad as large crowds gathered outside for prayers. Ali Khamenei, who ruled Iran for nearly 37 years, was killed alongside close relatives on February 28, the first day of the US-Israeli war against Iran.
The funeral took place amid a second consecutive day of reciprocal strikes. Iranian officials said 17 people had been killed in US actions. State media reported that one strike hit a railway line linking Tehran and Mashhad.
Tehran announced renewed attacks on US facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar. Jordanian forces, meanwhile, said they had intercepted eight missiles launched from Iran.
Attention during the funeral was also focused on the possible appearance of Khamenei’s successor, Mojtaba Khamenei. However, the new Supreme Leader again remained out of public view. According to available reports, he was wounded in the February 28 strikes and has communicated with the Iranian public only through written statements since his appointment.
Amid the renewed escalation, US President Donald Trump said the temporary ceasefire agreement had ended. Talks on a final settlement had been expected to begin after Khamenei’s burial, with the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the future of Iran’s nuclear programme among the key issues.
The funeral took place amid a second consecutive day of reciprocal strikes. Iranian officials said 17 people had been killed in US actions. State media reported that one strike hit a railway line linking Tehran and Mashhad.
Tehran announced renewed attacks on US facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar. Jordanian forces, meanwhile, said they had intercepted eight missiles launched from Iran.
Attention during the funeral was also focused on the possible appearance of Khamenei’s successor, Mojtaba Khamenei. However, the new Supreme Leader again remained out of public view. According to available reports, he was wounded in the February 28 strikes and has communicated with the Iranian public only through written statements since his appointment.
Amid the renewed escalation, US President Donald Trump said the temporary ceasefire agreement had ended. Talks on a final settlement had been expected to begin after Khamenei’s burial, with the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the future of Iran’s nuclear programme among the key issues.
Powered by Froala Editor