Millions Gather as Khamenei Is Buried in Mashhad; Iran Uses Funeral to Project Strength

The Economist—Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was buried in Mashhad after a week-long procession across Iran that drew millions of mourners. The regime deliberately delayed the ceremony to maximize turnout and use the event as a demonstration of popular support and institutional stability. Analysts see the mass gathering as an attempt to project legitimacy following recent U.S. military strikes that shook the government's standing. Whether the show of numbers translates into genuine political cohesion for the Islamic Republic remains uncertain as leadership succession questions loom.

• The Economist — Analysts: regime views massive attendance as proof of institutional legitimacy amid succession uncertainty
• The National (UAE) — Khamenei laid to rest in Mashhad after nationwide processions spanning a full week
• NBC News — Politics — Regime delayed burial to draw maximum crowds and signal popular support post-strikes