Funeral ceremonies for Iran's late Supreme Leader,Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,kicked off in Tehran,drawing top officials,foreign dignitaries to pay respects. Khamenei's body lies in state at Grand Mosalla religious complex,wrapped in national flag of Islamic Republic,which he led over three decades. Ceremonies began Friday,with mourners lifting his coffin high,marking start of a week-long mourning period.
Authorities expect millions to join public mourning,processions leading up to Khamenei's burial next week . The 86-year-old leader was killed February 28 in coordinated strike by United States and Israel. Attack also took lives of family members,including Khamenei's three-year-old granddaughter,eldest daughter,son-in-law,daughter-in-law.
State TV aired images of key figures like Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf,parliament speaker,honoring Khamenei at his coffin. Ahmad Vahidi,head of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC),made first public appearance since conflict began. Funeral,originally set for March,was delayed due to ongoing war.
World leaders from different countries attending six days of commemoration,with public ceremony set Saturday in Tehran. After that,procession will pass through key religious cities in Iran,neighboring Iraq. Reports note over 50 delegations,including leaders from Iraq,Tajikistan,Turkmenistan,Georgia,Pakistan,have already paid respects. But several European nations not invited,as Iranian government excluded those seen supporting military actions against Iran .
As ceremonies unfold,Iranian officials expect turnout like 1989 funeral of Khamenei's predecessor,Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini,which drew an estimated 10 million. Observers predict an even bigger crowd now,with Qom,major religious center,expected to see at least two million mourners. Final leg of funeral will conclude in Mashhad,birthplace of Khamenei,home to tomb of revered Shia imam.
During ceremonies,mourners,identified as relatives of recent conflict victims,threw scarves,other items onto Khamenei's coffin,a gesture believed to convey blessings. Casket was adorned with flag bearing “Ya Hussein,” a phrase marking martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson.
In Tehran,images of Khamenei's fist appeared on banners,a large statue in Enghelab Square,surrounded by depictions of ballistic missiles. Analysts say funeral is crucial moment for Iran,showing national unity after Khamenei's assassination. Abas Aslani,senior research fellow,noted government emerged stronger,defying U.S.,Israel's aim to trigger regime change. Instead,events have sparked rallying effect among Iranian people...
