Preparations are underway in Iran for the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after his coffin arrived in Tehran ahead of six days of official mourning ceremonies. Footage broadcast by state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) showed the flower-covered coffin being brought to the site where Khamenei was killed in an unannounced ceremony attended by large crowds of mourners. The funeral programme is scheduled to begin on Saturday and conclude with his burial in Mashhad on July 9.
The video released by IRIB showed mourners gathering around a green-draped memorial decorated with red tulips before Khamenei's coffin was carried through chanting crowds, many dressed in black. Additional visuals showed the coffin surrounded by mourners raising their hands in tribute, with white dove-shaped decorations and floral arrangements forming part of the ceremony. The broadcaster shared the footage with the hashtag "Revenge" on its official social media platforms.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf urged citizens to participate in large numbers, describing the funeral as an opportunity to demonstrate national unity. He called on young people, families of those killed in conflicts, wounded veterans and citizens across the country to attend the ceremonies. Ghalibaf also said the gathering should send a message to the world reflecting the country's demand for justice following Khamenei's death.
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According to Iranian authorities, Khamenei, 86, was killed in Tehran on February 28, the opening day of the US-Israel war involving Iran. He had served as Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989 after succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. His death marked the end of more than three decades of leadership during a period that saw major political, military and diplomatic developments in the region.
Security has been significantly tightened ahead of the funeral ceremonies. Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia told the IRNA news agency that additional military personnel had been deployed across Iran's land, sea and air borders, while air defence systems remain on continuous alert to monitor the country's airspace. Officials said the enhanced security measures are intended to ensure the smooth conduct of the large public gatherings planned over the coming days.
The funeral procession will begin at Tehran's Grand Mosalla prayer complex before continuing through the holy cities of Qom, Najaf and Karbala, with the final burial scheduled to take place in Mashhad on July 9. Iranian authorities expect between 15 million and 20 million mourners to participate, alongside official delegations from more than 30 countries and religious representatives from around 90 nations, underscoring the scale of the planned ceremonies.
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