An invitation from the Iranian government enabled The Washington Post to report from Iran for the first time since the conflict began. This opportunity arose from the funeral procession for Ali Khamenei.

Held in Tehran, the funeral for the late supreme leader, who was assassinated during the initial U.S.-Israeli strikes in February, saw vast crowds filling the streets. The event was meticulously organized, with many Iranian leaders making public appearances.

Notably, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son and successor of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was absent from the proceedings.