By Desmond Nleya
Millions of Iranians gathered on Saturday to pay their final respects to Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and four members of his family who were killed in a United States-Israeli air strike on his residential compound on February 28.
The funeral, one of the largest public gatherings in Iran’s recent history, drew mourners from across the country as authorities maintained heightened security during the ceremonies.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said that “neither side will shoot the other during the funeral proceedings,” signalling a temporary pause in hostilities. Trump added that talks between Washington and Tehran would resume once the funeral ceremonies conclude, raising hopes for renewed diplomatic engagement.
Despite the temporary lull, violence continued elsewhere in the region. Israeli military operations reportedly killed at least one person in southern Lebanon, while two Palestinians were killed in separate strikes in Gaza City and the Jabalia refugee camp, according to local reports.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accused Israel of undermining the recently signed memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran. He reiterated that Türkiye remains committed to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring stability and achieving lasting peace across the Middle East.
