Tehran, July 4: Iran on Saturday began the funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, months after the country’s Supreme Leader was killed in an airstrike at the start of the Iran war. He was 86.
Thousands of mourners gathered at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran for the first day of the funeral. Many dressed in black, carried flags and banners, and participated in traditional mourning rituals.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Funeral Draws Thousands
Khamenei’s body was placed at the Grand Mosalla, while roads leading to the venue were closed to traffic. Billboards carrying his image were displayed across the capital.
“I came to say goodbye to my beloved leader,” said Hananeh Mousavi, a 27 year old mourner who attended the ceremony with her mother.
Iranian authorities expect millions of people to participate in the funeral, drawing comparisons with the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989.
Officials believe a large public turnout could strengthen the government’s position as it continues negotiations with the United States over a permanent end to the conflict. During the funeral, crowds chanted anti United States slogans, a longstanding feature of official events since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
At the same time, US President Donald Trump, speaking in South Dakota, referred to the conflict with Iran and said the country wanted to reach a settlement.
Authorities have announced that Khamenei’s body will later be taken to several cities in Iran and neighbouring Iraq as part of the funeral procession. Roads have been closed, airspace restrictions imposed and security tightened during the mourning period.
It remains unclear whether Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, will appear at the funeral. Iranian military officials have also warned Israel and the United States against any action during the funeral period following recent regional tensions.
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