Iran Begins Funeral Ceremonies for Supreme Leader Khamenei

Tehran: (Web Desk) – Iran on Saturday began official funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with authorities expecting millions of people to attend tributes in Tehran over the coming days.

State television said the ceremonies are expected to continue for six days, following Khamenei’s death at the age of 86 during the US-Israeli conflict with Iran on February 28. Iranian officials estimate that between 15 and 20 million mourners could gather in Tehran alone.

Thousands of people carrying red banners gathered at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla religious complex, where chants against the United States and calls for revenge were heard. Security was tightened across the capital, with several roads blocked and airspace expected to remain restricted during the major public gatherings.

Khamenei’s coffin will remain at the Grand Mosalla until Monday before a procession through Tehran. The funeral route will then continue to Qom, Iraqi Shia holy cities and finally Mashhad, where he will be buried on Thursday.

Shehbaz Sharif Leaves for Iran to Attend Khamenei Funeral

The ceremonies are also being closely watched for a possible public appearance by Mojtaba Khamenei, who was named Iran’s new supreme leader after his father’s death. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Russian official Dmitry Medvedev and representatives of Hamas, Hezbollah and the Afghan Taliban attended the events.

Iranian leaders used the occasion to renew warnings against the United States and Israel, saying Tehran remains prepared to respond if hostilities resume.