Saudi Arabia and Qatar Send Officials to Iran Funeral

Saudi Arabia and Qatar sent senior officials to the funeral of Iran's supreme leader. The attendance marked a display of diplomatic protocol between the countries. As Saudi Arabia's deputy foreign minister approached the coffin, Quranic verses recalling the Prophet Muhammad's victory over a much larger army were recited. Softer passages accompanied the Qatari and Omani delegations.

UAE did not attend the funeral.

Iranian state media described one group of mourners as a Gulf Shia delegation. The researcher noted that the front row included a U.S.-designated terrorist and questioned whether the term delegation applied, given that most members are based in Iran.

Thousands of mourners filled Tehran and chanted for revenge during the funeral. The event was also used to project defiance, according to reports.