Iran Begins Mourning Period for Supreme Leader Khamenei
On Saturday morning, Iran initiated a sequence of public funeral ceremonies in honor of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who passed away following a joint airstrike by the United States and Israel. This event marked the commencement of a six-day mourning period, as reported by state media.
The attack, which occurred on February 28, struck Khamenei's official residence in Tehran, coinciding with the onset of military hostilities involving the US and Israel against Iran. The passing of Khamenei at the age of 86 concluded his leadership which began in 1989.
Public and International Attendance
Thousands of mourners, many carrying red banners symbolizing vengeance, gathered at Tehran's Grand Mosalla religious complex to witness the lying-in-state of Khamenei's coffin. The funeral proceedings will see Khamenei's remains transported to significant religious locations, including Qom and Iraq, before his final interment takes place in Mashhad, his birthplace in northeastern Iran, on Thursday.
To ensure security during these events, Iran has imposed airspace restrictions and closed numerous roads in cities hosting the ceremonies.
International Delegations Pay Their Respects
Several international figures have arrived in Tehran to pay homage to Khamenei. Notable attendees include Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. Representatives from Russia, China, and Afghanistan were also present, with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev attending on behalf of President Vladimir Putin. He Wei, from China's National People's Congress, and Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, also paid their respects. An Indian delegation was among the foreign dignitaries who paid tribute prior to the main ceremonies.
The family of Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader recently killed in an Israeli attack, also attended the funeral. Speculation surrounds the presence of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son and successor of the late leader, at the ceremonies as he has not made any recent public appearances.
IRGC Leadership Seen Publicly
In a notable development, General Ahmad Vahidi of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps made a public appearance, the first since February 8. Vahidi is known for his pivotal role in Iran's negotiations with the US, which have been ongoing as both nations seek to resolve the armed conflict that began with the February airstrikes.
Members of the IRGC's Basij paramilitary unit were also in attendance, underscoring the significant military presence at Khamenei's funeral events.
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