Iran has begun preparations for the state funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose body was brought to Tehran’s Grand Mosalla on Friday ahead of the official ceremony scheduled for Saturday. The funeral is expected to draw millions of mourners, along with several foreign dignitaries, including an Indian delegation that paid its respects before the ceremony.
State media reported that Khamenei’s coffin, draped in the Iranian tricolour, was carried into the Grand Mosalla, one of the country’s most significant religious and ceremonial venues. Images released by Iranian media showed large crowds gathering to honour the late leader, whose death followed the recent U.S.-Israeli strikes that triggered the West Asia conflict.
The public funeral had initially been postponed due to the ongoing hostilities. However, preparations resumed after Iran and the United States agreed to a preliminary ceasefire aimed at ending the conflict. Iranian officials have described the funeral as a moment of national unity, with Tehran’s chief negotiator urging citizens to participate in large numbers as a tribute to Khamenei’s legacy.
Security has been tightened across the capital ahead of the ceremony, which is expected to be one of the largest public gatherings in Iran in recent years. The funeral is likely to carry significant political and diplomatic importance as regional tensions remain high despite the fragile ceasefire.
