Foreign media were granted rare visas to cover Khamenei’s funeral. Here’s what our reporter saw.

The rare foreign media access to Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral highlighted the regime’s strategic move to display its strength and unity despite international pressures. The event showcased massive public gatherings and the reemergence of key military leaders, underscoring the government's intent to project an image of resilience and control. This highly orchestrated display of public mourning serves to reinforce internal loyalty and external deterrence, signaling that the regime remains steadfast in its path. The funeral’s heavily controlled nature underscores the regime’s efforts to manage narratives and maintain its grip on power.