Huge crowds gather in Mashhad as Iran's late supreme leader is buried

Iran's long-serving leader Ali Khamenei was buried at the Imam Reza shrine, regarded as one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam, following six days of public mourning ceremonies. The burial marked the final stage of a series of rites followed closely across the country.

The streets of Mashhad filled with crowds attending the funeral, with officials reporting high turnout. Ahead of the ceremonies, the coffin had been carried through several Iranian cities as well as Shia holy sites in Iraq.

Khamenei's death and the mourning period that followed came amid continued uncertainty over Iran's leadership transition and renewed tension with the US. Analysts say the burial ceremony was intended to send a message of internal unity from Iran's leadership.