Iran is holding a multi-day funeral for its former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, drawing massive crowds in a display of national resilience.
The event follows Khamenei's death after 36 years in power. He was killed during the first day of airstrikes in February.
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Massive Public Turnout
Patrick Wintour, diplomatic editor for The Guardian, reported from the scene, describing the scale of the gathering.
"I'm just one dot on those numbers you're seeing from helicopters," Wintour said.
"When I was in the mosque yesterday, it was absolutely rammed, packed, and people couldn't get into the mosque.
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There were clearly more than 50,000, 60,000 there."
The large mobilization comes after the country faced severe existential threats during the initial phase of military strikes.
Geopolitical Context
Robert Malley, a former US special envoy for Iran under President Joe Biden, commented on the recent escalation's outcome.
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"The ceasefire deal being negotiated is in Tehran's favour," Malley said.
