New Delhi, July 3 -- Iran began the week-long funeral ceremony of late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday (July 3). But at what cost?

The country, which is grappling with wartime conditions and inflation, is hosting the grand procession for about seven days.

Authorities reportedly said Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israel strikes on February 28, will be buried on July 9 following five days of ceremonies across Iran and Iraq.

While grief and sorrow gripped the Islamic Republic, a section of people expressed anger over the funeral expenses.

Iran's state media claimed that Iranian authorities forced businesses and state employees to fund ceremonies, provide services or attend events before his burial.

A broad campa...