Iran on Saturday officially began six days of funeral ceremonies for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US-Israeli airstrike on Tehran on February 28 during the opening phase of the conflict between Iran and Israel.
Thousands of mourners gathered at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla religious complex carrying red banners symbolizing vengeance, as crowds paid their respects during the public farewell ceremonies. State media reported that millions are expected to participate in the funeral events across several cities.
Khamenei’s coffin will remain in Tehran until Monday before being transferred to the holy city of Qom, followed by visits to neighboring Iraq ahead of his burial in his hometown of Mashhad on Thursday.
Iranian authorities imposed heightened security measures during the ceremonies, including temporary closures of airspace and major roads in areas hosting funeral gatherings.
Several international and regional figures attended the ceremonies, including Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev representing President Vladimir Putin, Chinese official He Wei, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, and delegations from India and Lebanon.
Family members of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was previously killed in an Israeli strike, were also present.
Meanwhile, senior Revolutionary Guard commander General Ahmad Vahidi appeared publicly for the first time in months during the funeral proceedings, amid continuing regional tensions and ongoing diplomatic discussions involving Iran and the United States.
