Iran began procession for Khamenei's funeral

Iran began a procession through its capital, Tehran, for the funeral of the country's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Elsewhere, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains his objection to an Iranian nuclear program "with or without an agreement."

The flag-draped coffin of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and those of his family killed February 28th in an airstrike at the start of the war launched by Israel and the US sat on board a truck.

Authorities decorated the truck's side to resemble the ornamental grating that surrounds the shrine of an imam.

The truck crept through crowds of black-clad mourners, who reached out to touch the grating. Some threw scarves and other items for attendants to brush against the coffin, a common practice in Iran seen as a blessing. Attendants sprayed misted water across the crowds to cool them in the summertime temperatures.

Authorities appeared concerned about the dangers of having a large crowd alongside the procession, with officials on loudspeakers urging the public to walk slowly, not to push and to stay to the edges of the street.

The coffins are being taken through the streets of Tehran on their way to Mehrabad International Airport over a 12-hour journey, according to Revolutionary Guard General Hasan Hasanzsdeh, who is overseeing the procession.

Elsewhere, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintained his objection to an Iranian nuclear program "with or without an agreement."

Speaking at the official memorial ceremony for Binyamin Ze'ev Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism, Netanyahu said "while his government is attentive to the interests of its allies it stands firm on Israel's vital interests."

He said "with an agreement or without an agreement, Israel will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons." Talks over reaching a permanent end to the war between

the US and Iran appear to be on hold until the end of the funeral.