Iran's Show of Power: A Funeral, a Legacy, and a Future

A Funeral, a Legacy, and a Future

Iran's grand funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country's former supreme leader, is a display of national unity and a test of the regime's resilience. The six-day event, which started on July 4, is intended to "strengthen national cohesion and unity" across political, social, and religious groups. However, the funeral also highlights the country's deep-seated problems and the uncertain future of its relations with the West.

Khamenei's Legacy

Khamenei's 37-year tenure was marked by pronounced micromanagement, intervening in almost all areas of governance. This approach contributed to a widening gap between society and the political system. Many people have grown tired of the current order, and public dissatisfaction has grown steadily, culminating in repeated waves of unrest. The 2009 Green Movement, the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests in 2022, and nationwide demonstrations in late 2025 and early 2026 were all suppressed by force.

Regional Implications

The funeral procession is expected to pass through Iraq, including the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, a move widely seen as a signal of Iran's regional influence. This move is likely to be seen as a demonstration of Iran's ability to maintain its regional influence despite the war with the US and Israel. However, it also highlights the country's deep-seated problems and the uncertain future of its relations with the West.

Future Consequences

The outcome of the negotiations between Iran and the US remains uncertain. The inclusion of the so-called Lebanon front as the first point in Iran's recent negotiations memorandum with the US underlines continuity in Khamenei's foreign policy approach. However, divisions remain within Iran's leadership, especially within the Revolutionary Guards, over potential talks with Washington. The partial implementation of the 14-point framework discussed with the US would represent a significant achievement, but it is unclear whether this will happen.

Conclusion

Iran's grand funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is a display of national unity and a test of the regime's resilience. However, it also highlights the country's deep-seated problems and the uncertain future of its relations with the West. The outcome of the negotiations between Iran and the US remains uncertain, and the future of the country's relations with the West is far from clear.

Editor's Note: The outcome of the negotiations between Iran and the US remains uncertain, and the future of the country's relations with the West is far from clear.

Source referenced: DW

This brief was synthesized by our Editorial Engine and reviewed by The Ground Narrative team.