As Americans celebrate Independence Day and the nation's 250th anniversary on Saturday, Iran is staging the long-delayed state funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in what analysts say is a carefully choreographed display of regime survival.

According to a Washington Post report, Khamenei's death at the outset of the U.S.-Israel war initially raised hopes in Washington and Jerusalem that the Islamic Republic was nearing collapse.

Instead, the funeral marks the emergence of a younger, more hard-line leadership under his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei.

"The bottom line is that we are facing a new, bolder, self-confident Iran," Raz Zimmt, head of Iran research at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, told the outlet.

While Iran "might be weaker when it comes to its economic situation, its industries, some of its strategic capabilities," he said, the country's leadership has become more determined rather than less.

Zimmt also said it is "very clear by now that Mojtaba Khamenei is making the strategic decisions," while a collective of senior security officials exerts influence on key issues but ultimately answers to the new supreme leader.

The Post reports that many of Iran's new senior leaders are veterans of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and security services, replacing civilian officials and moderates who once played leading roles in diplomacy.

Analysts say the shift has strengthened hard-liners who argue the conflict proved Iran can withstand military pressure from the United States and Israel.

The funeral is expected to be closely watched by U.S. and allied intelligence agencies for signs of Mojtaba Khamenei's health and authority after reports he was injured in the strike that killed his father.

His appearance, or absence, could offer important clues about the stability of Iran's new leadership.

The timing of the two events highlights a contrast between the two countries. 

As the United States celebrates the ideals of liberty and self-government on July 4 during its America250 observances, Iran is using the funeral of its supreme leader to project its own version continuity, resilience, and confidence.

Rather than signaling the end of the Islamic Republic, analysts say the ceremony is intended to demonstrate that the regime has survived the war and believes it is in a stronger position to confront the U.S. and its allies.