Mashhad, July 9 -- The funeral procession of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in US-Israeli joint strikes earlier this year, reached the holy city of Mashhad on Thursday for his burial at the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza, with Iran's state broadcaster reporting massive crowds of mourners gathering for the final rites.

According to the state broadcaster, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Khamenei's body was being transported by air to the holy shrine, due to heavy crowds between the Danesh intersection and the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza.

State media also aired visuals showing large crowds lining the funeral route in Mashhad to pay their final respects to the slain leader.

Massive crowds...