On Thursday, a multitude of Iranians gathered to honor the memory of the former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, whose leadership spanned nearly forty years before he was killed in U.S.-Israeli attacks that ignited a broader Middle East conflict.

His successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has remained out of public view since the war’s onset, and it seemed improbable that he would attend the nationwide memorial events scheduled across Iran that day.

State television broadcasted scenes of vast crowds participating in commemorative rallies, with many attendees clutching portraits of the late leader. These gatherings took place in various locations, including Urmia in the northwest, Gorgan in the northeast, and the capital, Tehran.

The national tribute commenced at precisely 9:40 a.m. local time, marking the hour on February 28 when Ali Khamenei was assassinated at his residence in Tehran, alongside several high-ranking Iranian officials.

This attack served as the catalyst for a Middle Eastern war that quickly engulfed the region, prompting Iran to retaliate against U.S. interests in the Gulf and launch strikes on Israel.

The attack marked the start of the Middle East war that rapidly spread across the region, with Iran retaliating against US interests in the Gulf and striking Israel.

Owing to the war, a state funeral has yet to take place for the late leader.