TEHRAN, Iran — A multi-day funeral for Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, kicked off Saturday as the country paused to honor the man who ruled with an iron fist for decades while consistently standing in opposition to Western nations.
In the capital city of Tehran, authorities closed off streets, halted air travel, and brought everyday life to a standstill as mourners gathered to pay their respects.
Following ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei’s body is scheduled to be transported to additional cities throughout Iran, as well as to neighboring Iraq.
This report is accompanied by a photo gallery assembled by Associated Press photo editors.
