Crowds attending a funeral ceremony in Iran raised chants of “Death to Trump” as the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made a public appearance during the event.

The slogans were heard as thousands gathered to pay tribute to those killed during the recent conflict involving Iran and Israel. The ceremony also marked one of Ayatollah Khamenei’s notable public appearances after the military escalation that had heightened tensions across the region.

Anti-US slogans raised during ceremony

Videos circulating from the funeral ceremony showed mourners chanting “Death to America” and “Death to Trump” while Ayatollah Khamenei attended the event. Such slogans have long been associated with state-backed public gatherings in Iran and were repeated during the ceremony attended by senior Iranian officials and large crowds.

The funeral was held to honour military commanders, nuclear scientists and other individuals who Iran says were killed during the recent conflict. The gathering drew thousands of people to the capital, where processions and official tributes were organised.

Public appearance after recent conflict

Ayatollah Khamenei’s appearance came after weeks of heightened tensions in the Middle East following Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and subsequent military exchanges between the two countries. The conflict also saw the United States carry out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, further escalating regional tensions.

The funeral ceremony was among the Supreme Leader’s most significant public appearances since the conflict, with state media extensively covering the event.

Regional tensions remain high

Relations between Iran, Israel and the United States remain strained despite the ceasefire announced following the recent hostilities. Officials from the three countries continue to exchange strong statements over the military operations and the future of Iran’s nuclear programme.

The funeral ceremony reflected the continuing anti-US and anti-Israel sentiment expressed by sections of the Iranian establishment and supporters attending the event.

The United States of America is observing its Independence Day on July 4 with celebrations taking place across the country. Public events, parades, concerts, and fireworks have been organized in several cities as Americans mark the nation holiday.

Large gatherings have been reported in cities including Washington D.C., New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, where thousands of people are participating in officials and community-led celebrations. Public parks, streets, and other venues have been prepared to host visitors throughout the day.

Government officials, including US President Donald Trump, extended Independence Day greetings and participated in events celebrating the occasion. Ceremonies honouring military personnel, experts, and first responders have also been held in different parts of he country.

Authorities have stepped up security arrangements at major event locations to manage large crowds. Additional police forces and emergency response teams have been posted, while officials have advised the public to follow safety instructions during the celebrations.

The holiday has also resulted in increased travel activity, with airports, highways, and railway stations experiencing heavy passenger movement. Hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions are seeing a rise in visitors as many people use the long weekend for travel and family gatherings.

Although weather conditions have disrupted a few outdoor events in some areas, most programme are continuing as scheduled. Fireworks displays are expected to take place in the evening at several locations, including major cities known for their annual Independence Day celebrations.

The nation celebrates Independence Day every July 4. It marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, when 13 American colonies became independent from British rule. It is one of the most important national holidays in the United States and is celebrated with parades, fireworks, official ceremonies, and community events across the country.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were overcome with emotion during the farewell ceremony for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Friday, as the country began official mourning ceremonies for the late leader.

The ceremony took place under extensive security arrangements, with senior Iranian officials and international delegations arriving in the capital to pay their respects.

Tight security in Tehran for farewell ceremonies

Tehran Governor Mohammad Sadegh Motamadian said authorities had implemented the highest level of security for the farewell and funeral events.

He said the gates of Tehran’s Grand Mosalla Prayer Grounds would open to the public at 6 a.m. local time, while urging people to plan their arrival accordingly. Organisers also indicated that the opening time could be advanced depending on the situation.

India among countries represented at ceremony

India was represented at the ceremony by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain.

The Embassy of Iran in India said Indian dignitaries had paid tribute to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Images shared by the embassy showed People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, Congress leader Salman Khurshid and several other attendees.

Russia also sent a high-level delegation, with Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev attending the ceremonies in Tehran.

Global leaders attend tribute ceremony

The farewell ceremony at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla was attended by senior Iranian leaders, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Eje’i and Expediency Council Chairman Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani.

The event also drew heads of state, prime ministers, parliamentary speakers and ministers from several countries. Among those present were Turkmenistan People’s Council Chairman Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, Armenia Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir and Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani.

Delegations from Iraq, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Nicaragua, Congo and Burkina Faso also attended, alongside representatives from international organisations including the Shanghai Cooperation Council, the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Iran expected participation from nearly 100 countries

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said before the ceremony that high-level delegations from neighbouring countries, including presidents, prime ministers and parliamentary speakers, would participate.

He added that representatives from around 100 countries, including public figures and members of parliament, were expected to attend. Baghaei also said countries in Europe that had officially supported military action by Israel and the United States against Iran had not been invited.

Funeral ceremonies to continue through the week

Iranian authorities estimate that between 15 and 20 million people could participate in the multi-day mourning events.

According to the announced schedule, the body will lie in state at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla before a funeral procession through Tehran on Monday. Additional ceremonies are planned in Qom, Baghdad, Karbala and Najaf before the burial in Mashhad on July 9.