Iranian international relations researcher Mohsen Farkhani said more than 20 million people are expected to participate in the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, describing the turnout as a demonstration of support for the Islamic Republic.
Speaking to Al Jazeera Arabic, Farkhani said the funeral would send a message to Washington and Tel Aviv that external pressure would not weaken Iran’s unity, adding that the legitimacy of the Iranian system is rooted in popular support.
