Despite official proclamations of national unity in run-up to funeral of supreme leader, killed in Israel-US airstrikes on first day of war, Islamic Republic has rarely been so internally fractured

Despite official proclamations of national unity in run-up to funeral of supreme leader, killed in Israel-US airstrikes on first day of war, Islamic Republic has rarely been so internally fractured

The ceremonies are expected to draw between 15 and 20 million mourners, before being laid to rest in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad, his birthplace.

Iran has commenced a week-long state funeral for its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with thousands of mourners, senior government officials,

Gen Ahmad Vahidi reappeared in Tehran as Iran prepared the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His return underscores his growing influence over Tehran's hardline wartime and postwar decisions.