Ali Khamenei's final journey draws vast crowds to Mashhad PHOTO / VIDEO

The burial of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei began on July 9 in his hometown of Mashhad, where thousands of mourners gathered for a funeral procession towards the Imam Reza Shrine, according to the Russian state news agency.

The procession carrying Khamenei's body moved along Imam Reza Street, the city's main avenue, towards the burial site. Mourners carried red flags and portraits of the late leader while chanting slogans, with many families taking part in the ceremony.

Large crowds had assembled around the shrine overnight, with some mourners remaining in the central square until the procession began. Water cannons were positioned along the route to help ease the effects of the summer heat.

Hundreds of journalists from around the world, including from Western countries, travelled to Mashhad to cover the ceremony. Iranian authorities designated observation points on the rooftops of several hotels to facilitate media coverage.

The burial follows days of nationwide mourning that began in Tehran on 3 July. Iranian authorities said farewell ceremonies were attended by high-level delegations from at least 100 countries.

According to Iranian officials, Khamenei was killed on February 28 in US and Israeli strikes. The United States and Israel have not been quoted in the report regarding that claim.

By Aghakazim Guliyev