Iranian authorities claim that between 15 million and 25 million people are participating in the funeral ceremonies for eliminated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with even larger numbers expected across Iran and Iraq.

But independent footage from Tehran shows a very different picture. While tens of thousands of regime supporters have attended the opening ceremonies, the crowds are nowhere near the fantastic figures promoted by Tehran.

A viral video presented online as showing millions attending Khamenei’s funeral was also exposed as AI-generated. The footage contained visual errors, suddenly appearing flags and other signs of artificial creation. It was apparently produced to advertise the upcoming funeral before the ceremonies had even begun.