Funeral of Iran's former supreme leader 'intensely political moment'

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Funeral of Iran's former supreme leader 'intensely political moment' Funeral of Iran's former supreme leader 'intensely political moment' CloseVast crowds of Iranians loyal to the Islamic Republic have gathered in Tehran for the first day of funeral ceremonies for the country's former supreme leader. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint US-Israeli airstrikes at the start of the war. Iranian state media say six days of ceremonies will span several locations across Iran and neighbouring Iraq, before he is buried in his hometown of Mashhad on Thursday.

The 's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet is in Tehran as people prepare to head to the vast complex where the former supreme leader is lying in state. The 's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet is reporting from Tehran on condition that none of her material is used on the 's Persian Service. These restrictions apply to all international media organisations operating in Iran.

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The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.