A bitterly divided Iran grapples with Khamenei’s legacy as he is laid to rest

Iran is deeply divided over the legacy of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with hard-liners celebrating his funeral as a symbol of resistance while critics highlight decades of repression, sanctions, and economic mismanagement. His death has amplified societal fractures, with supporters viewing him as a martyr and opponents blaming his policies for widespread discontent.