Huge crowds gather for the Iranian President’s funeral. Here are key points:
- Iran’s President, Ebrahim Raisi, died in a helicopter crash on Sunday
- Large crowds came together in the city of Qom for Raisi’s funeral
- Iran’s Supreme Leader led prayers honouring Raisi and others killed in the crash
Do you want to learn more about this major news event in Iran? Please keep reading to understand what happened and why it matters.
What Took Place
President Ebrahim Raisi was one of eight people who tragically died when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed on Sunday. Raisi has been Iran’s President since 2021.
Mourners flooded the streets of Qom, an important religious city in Iran, for Raisi’s main funeral ceremony on Wednesday. Pictures showed tens of thousands waving Iranian flags and holding up photos of the late President.
The crowd watched as Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, led prayers for Raisi and the other victims. Their caskets were then paraded through Qom to the city’s main Imam Khomeini square.
Notable Attendees
Several significant figures from inside and outside Iran attended the funeral to pay their respects. These included:
- Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas (a Palestinian militant group)
- The prime ministers of Pakistan and Iraq
- Turkey’s vice president
- The speaker of Russia’s parliament
In a speech, Haniyeh praised Raisi for previously supporting a Hamas attack against Israel that Haniyeh characterized as “hitting Israel’s heart.”
Divided Reactions in Iran
While state media projected images of mournful unity, the truth is more complex. Many Iranians remain disillusioned with the current regime after brutal crackdowns on nationwide protests in recent years.
Officially, Raisi and the other victims were hailed as “martyrs of service” to the people. However, on social media, some Iranians mocked Raisi’s death or celebrated it. Iran’s judiciary has warned citizens against such “insults” online.
This mixed response reflects how polarized and fragmented views of the Islamic Republic’s leadership have become, especially among younger generations hungry for reform.
What’s Next for Iran?
Raisi was a member of the Assembly of Experts, the group that will one day choose the next Supreme Leader to replace Khamenei. Some saw Raisi as a potential successor.
With Raisi’s sudden death, Iran has lost a key figure viewed as representing the continuity of the regime. For hardliners, promoting a new leader who can unite conservatives and regain legitimacy among dissenters will be crucial.
However, the widening divide between Iran’s authoritarian rulers and those demanding change shows no signs of closing. Only time will tell how the Islamic Republic manages this pivotal transition.
How do you think Raisi’s death could impact the future direction of Iran’s government? Leave a comment with your thoughts.
