Black and White: Why Was Larijani's Funeral Held but Khamenei's Was Not?
The funeral of Ali Larijani, his son Morteza Larijani, and General Gholamreza Soleimani saw over a million attendees in Tehran, illustrating strong support for the regime amidst expectations of unrest following Larijani's death.
Today, the funeral of Ali Larijani, along with his son Morteza Larijani and General Gholamreza Soleimani of the Basij Force, was conducted, attracting massive crowds in Tehran. Reports claim that over a million people took to the streets to pay their respects, making it the largest gathering yet seen in the city during this conflict. This outpouring of support stands in stark contrast to the expectations of Israel and the United States, who anticipated that Larijani's death would spur anti-government protests and push for regime change in Iran.
However, the immense turnout at Larijani's funeral signals that enacting regime change in Iran remains an extremely challenging endeavor. Instead of the anticipated demonstrations against the government, the event showcased the strength of loyalty towards the existing regime. The gatherings in Tehran's Enqelab Square, the focal point for many of these public displays, highlight the complexity of Iran's political landscape and demonstrate a paradox where public expressions of grief may actually reinforce the current government rather than weaken it.
In summary, the significant attendance at Larijani's funeral counters the narrative that the Iranian populace is ready to rise against the regime. This event serves as a reminder of the enduring support for the leadership in the country and presents a nuanced picture of public sentiment, contradicting any simplistic views that might arise from external assumptions about Iranian politics.