In Tehran, Iran, preparations are underway for a multiday state funeral commencing on Saturday to honor the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during a recent war. The Islamic Republic anticipates millions of mourners flooding the streets in a spectacle reminiscent of the burial of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989. This show of support could bolster Iran's government as it seeks to assert its influence over negotiations with the United States regarding a permanent end to the war and maintains concern about potential Israeli attacks. Notably, Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard commander has made a rare public appearance for the funeral, alongside other key government officials and foreign dignitaries. The funeral procession will involve religious leaders, military bands, and mourners throwing items as a sign of blessing onto Khamenei's flag-draped coffin, which currently rests at Tehran's Grand Mosalla alongside family members killed in the Israeli airstrike that initiated the war. Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and President Masoud Pezeshkian have paid their respects, while video footage shows an earlier mourning ceremony attended by black-clad mourners, believed to be families who lost loved ones in the 2025 war and the recent Iran conflict. The funeral will see Khamenei's casket draped with a red flag bearing white calligraphy reading "Ya Hussein," symbolizing both martyrdom and vengeance, before it is transported to cities across Iran and neighboring Iraq for further commemorations. Israel has threatened Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Supreme Leader, and warned against any threats or aggression towards Iran, drawing a strong response from the joint military command.