The burial ceremony for Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has begun in his hometown of Mashhad, with large crowds accompanying the funeral procession toward the Imam Reza Shrine.

The procession stretched for several kilometers through the city as mourners carried red flags, portraits of Khamenei and chanted slogans along Imam Reza Street, the main route leading to the burial site, The Caspian Post reports via TASS.

Many people reportedly gathered at the shrine overnight, with some remaining in the city's central square until the ceremony began. Families and pilgrims from across Iran were among those attending the funeral.

To help ease the intense summer heat, authorities installed water misting systems along the procession route for mourners.

Hundreds of journalists from around the world, including Western media outlets, traveled to Mashhad to cover the ceremony. Iranian authorities designated special rooftop locations at several hotels to facilitate photography and live broadcasts.

According to the report, funeral ceremonies for Khamenei began in Tehran on July 3, drawing official delegations from more than 100 countries before the final burial ceremony in Mashhad.