Sawt Falasteen - Iranians pay tribute to slain supreme leader weeks after killing

Holding portraits of their deceased leader and waving the national flags of the Islamic republic, supporters of Khamenei took part in rallies across the country after he died in the US-Israeli attack on February 28.

The 40-day mourning period following a death is an important rite of passage for Muslims.

"The killing of our beloved leader was truly cowardly," Maryam Esmaeili, a 33-year-old private-sector employee, told AFP, adding that the US and Israel "crossed our red line".

The most notable gatherings took place in the capital Tehran, where strikes have ceased since a fragile ceasefire came into effect on Tuesday night, as well as the northwest city of Urmia and northeast Gorgan.

Khamenei was 86 years old, having led the Islamic republic for more than 36 years.

His son Mojtaba, who succeeded him in early March, was not present on Thursday. He was wounded in a strike, according to Iranian officials, and has yet to appear in public since his appointment.

President Masoud Pezeshkian participated in the tribute and posed for photos with attendees, according to images broadcast on state television.

The national tribute began at 9:40 am (0610 GMT), the same time that strikes killed Khamenei at his residence in Tehran along with dozens of high-ranking officers and officials.

- 'Victory' -

The attack marked the beginning of a conflict that subsequently engulfed the entire Middle East, with Iran retaliating with missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf nations it accuses of serving as launchpads for US strikes.

A state funeral for Khamenei was initially announced but could ultimately not be held because of the war.

"The leader is alive, he always prays for us and he is watching all of us now, and victory is definitely ours," said Nastaran Safaie, a 24-year-old university student.

Esmaeili said she has little hope for the negotiations expected to take place before the end of the week in Pakistan, accusing the Americans of acting in bad faith.

"What they say about the ceasefire and its violation is a repetition of history," she said.

"It should be a lesson for the honourable people of Iran not to be fooled by the empty promises of hypocritical countries."

Others like Mahdi Mohaddes, a 41-year-old engineer, echoed her sentiment.

"I hope this (the talks) doesn't happen. If I were in the shoes of the officials, I would reconsider and not participate in these negotiations," he said.

Mohammad Hossein Bonakdar, a 44-year-old institute director, was thinking of Lebanon, where Israel killed more than 200 people on Wednesday in strikes unprecedented in its current war against Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

"Everyone is very upset and sad and expects that appropriate action will be taken," he said.

"But ultimately, any decision that the leadership of the revolution announces is obligatory and we will obey."

Mohaddes, surrounded by Hezbollah flags, said the movement allied with Tehran has given "its life and blood" to Iranians.

"Now it is our duty to act in response to this aggression," he said.

U.Shaheen--SF-PST