Tehran Prepares for Grand Funeral of Supreme Leader Khamenei After US-Israeli Strikes

The remains of Iran's supreme leader, whose demise was attributed to US-Israeli attacks that ignited the Middle East conflict, have been conveyed to Tehran's Grand Mosalla in anticipation of his burial rites. Millions of citizens, alongside a contingent of international dignitaries, are expected to partake in the official ceremonies for Ali Khamenei. Iran's chief negotiator has urged a massive turnout, framing it as a collective act of vengeance for his death.

Mourners reverently carried Khamenei's casket, adorned with Iran's national flag, into the Grand Mosalla, a significant venue for state ceremonies within the Islamic republic. During a pre-funeral gathering, large crowds dressed in black assembled as the coffin was placed amidst a display of red flowers and suspended white decorations. Ahmad Vahidi, who heads the Revolutionary Guards, the military's ideological branch, made his first public appearance since the war began in February, paying his respects at the coffin.

The preparations for Khamenei's public funeral, initially postponed during the peak of the conflict, are proceeding as Iran and the United States uphold a fragile ceasefire, following a preliminary agreement to halt hostilities. Pakistan, instrumental in the US-Iran negotiations, confirmed that its Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, would be present at the ceremony. China, Afghanistan, and Iran's neighbouring nations in the Caucasus region have also announced their intention to send representatives.

Workers were busy preparing the Grand Mosalla, while security personnel halted passing vehicles and curious onlookers observed the scene. "We are planting flowers and watering the shrubs for the farewell ceremony of our martyred guide," stated Hossein Moghadassi, a worker wearing a hat and scarf to shield his face from the intense heat. He further predicted that people would converge from across Iran, leading to immense crowds. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's chief negotiator and speaker of parliament, implored all Iranians to etch a glorious chapter in the history of Islamic Iran through their attendance. In a statement, he added that the nation's demand for retribution must resonate globally.

Khamenei, revered as a spiritual figure by many Shias, passed away at 86 following strikes on his compound located in the heart of the Iranian capital. His body is scheduled to lie in state for three days at the sprawling Grand Mosalla, which has been decorated with banners featuring his images and quotes. The remains of his deceased relatives will also be present. Officials estimate that the ceremonies could attract between 15 and 20 million mourners, potentially making it the largest state funeral in the country's history. Ghalibaf described it as one of Iran's most pivotal historical moments.

Public holidays will be observed in Tehran, as well as the holy cities of Qom and Mashhad, which are slated to host subsequent stages of the funeral and burial ceremonies. Authorities have mandated the closure of public and private offices in Tehran until Monday, while traffic restrictions will render much of the city centre inaccessible to private vehicles. Tehran's airspace will experience partial closure beginning today, with a full closure scheduled for Monday. Following the ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei's body will be transported to the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, before his interment on July 9 at the shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad, his birthplace in northeastern Iran. It remains uncertain whether Khamenei's son and successor, Mojtaba, who has not been seen publicly since assuming the supreme leadership, will attend the main ceremony in Tehran. Representatives from approximately 30 nations are anticipated to attend the funeral, with an influx of people from neighbouring Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.