Millions of Iranians gathered on Monday to participate in the funeral procession for Ali Khamenei, the country’s supreme leader who was killed earlier this year. Khamenei died in February after an attack involving Israeli bombs, an operation that Israel reportedly carried out with the aim of destabilizing Iran’s government and ultimately unseating its leadership.

The funeral events culminated late Monday when Khamenei’s body was transported to the city of Qom, a significant religious center in Iran. Processions and ceremonies continued there on Tuesday, drawing large crowds paying their respects.

In a related development, Iran’s leadership was present at a morning prayer service the preceding Sunday, reflecting the consolidation of the government’s ranks despite recent high-profile losses. The only notable absence was the country’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s son, who has been appointed as his successor. This transition marks a significant moment in Iran’s political landscape following a series of targeted assassinations that have affected the top echelons of its administration.

The situation remains tense, with the Iranian government condemning the assassination and asserting that the move was part of a broader campaign by Israel to weaken Iran’s regime. The international community continues to monitor developments closely amid concerns over escalating tensions in the region.