The body of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei arrived at Tehran's Grand Mosalla on Thursday, signaling the commencement of a days-long state funeral expected to draw millions of mourners and foreign dignitaries. The ceremony, initially delayed due to ongoing conflict, is taking place under a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States.
Preparations are underway at the Grand Mosalla, a major ceremonial venue, where Khamenei's coffin, adorned with Iran's flag, has been placed. Mourners have gathered, many clad in black, for pre-funeral ceremonies. Officials anticipate between 15 to 20 million attendees, which could mark the largest state funeral in Iran's history.
Khamenei, 86, died in U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, with his son Mojtaba reportedly succeeding him. However, Mojtaba has not been publicly seen since assuming the role, leading to speculation about whether he will appear at the main funeral events. Tehran's chief negotiator and parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has urged a massive turnout, stating, "The nation's call for vengeance must ring in the ears of the whole world."
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is confirmed to attend the ceremony, along with representatives from China, Afghanistan, and neighboring Caucasus nations. Approximately 30 countries are expected to send representatives.
Public and private offices in Tehran will observe holidays from Saturday through Monday to accommodate the funeral proceedings. Traffic restrictions will be implemented in the city center, and Tehran's airspace will be partially closed starting Friday, with full closure on Monday. The holy cities of Qom and Mashhad, also sites for funeral and burial ceremonies, will observe public holidays as well.
Following the Tehran ceremonies, Khamenei's body is scheduled to be taken to the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. His burial is planned for July 9 at the shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad, his birthplace.