Iran's metro says 7m journeys recorded during Khamenei funeral

Iran's funeral ceremonies for late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei drew large crowds in Tehran, with the capital's metro authority reporting approximately seven million passenger journeys between late Saturday and Sunday morning.

The transit figures offered one of the clearest indicators yet of the scale of public movement linked to the ceremonies, although authorities have not released an official estimate for the number of mourners attending, according to Al Jazeera.

Thousands upon thousands of people streamed through Tehran's Grand Mosalla to pay their respects during the second day of events, Al Jazeera reported. Iranian authorities are also planning large processions in central Tehran and have put in place logistical support including transport, food and accommodation as part of efforts intended to facilitate the participation of millions more mourners in the coming days.

Senior political and military officials attended the ceremonies, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani.

A private lying-in-state ceremony was also attended by foreign dignitaries.

Three of Khamenei's sons — Mostafa, Meysam and Masoud — attended funeral prayers, while his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not appeared at the public ceremonies. Al Jazeera reported that his absence was likely linked to security threats.