Iran buries Ali Khamenei as new strikes threaten ceasefire

Iran laid to rest its longtime supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday in Mashhad, after six days of funeral ceremonies across the country and Iraq. The burial coincided with renewed US-Iran strikes that threaten a fragile ceasefire agreement. Source: BBC

Burial and Mourning

• Khamenei was buried at the shrine of Imam Reza, Iran's holiest Shia site, after a helicopter transported the coffin due to massive crowds. State media claimed over 10 million mourners attended events nationwide. Source: CNN
• The funeral saw demonstrators carrying red flags of vengeance and banners calling for the death of US President Donald Trump. Mourners told reporters "blood must be repaid with blood." Source: CNN

Absent Successor

• Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father as supreme leader, did not appear at any funeral events. Reports say he was seriously wounded in the February 28 strike that killed Ali Khamenei and remains in hiding. Source: SCMP
• His only communications have been written statements, including one vowing revenge against the US and Israel. Source: DW

Renewed Conflict

• The US struck targets in Iran, including near the Bushehr nuclear plant and railway links to Mashhad, killing at least 17 people according to Iran. Source: Euronews
• Iran retaliated with drones and missiles against US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, though US officials reported no significant damage or casualties. Source: CNA
• President Trump declared the interim ceasefire "over," casting doubt on diplomatic efforts. Source: Euronews