Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): Iran has formally begun the state funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with thousands gathering in Tehran to pay their final respects to the country’s former Supreme Leader. The multi-day programme marks the start of an extensive national mourning period, with ceremonies expected to continue across several cities before concluding later this week.
As preparations intensified, senior figures of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were seen attending official events linked to the funeral. Among them was General Ahmad Vahidi, whose appearance alongside other top officials drew attention as Iran’s political and military leadership united to honour Khamenei.
State-run media broadcast images from an initial memorial ceremony, where Khamenei’s coffin was placed before senior clerics, military commanders and government officials. The event preceded the larger public gatherings scheduled over the next two days.
Officials have transformed Tehran’s Grand Mosalla into the focal point of the funeral proceedings, with elaborate arrangements made to accommodate an enormous number of mourners. Security has been tightened across the capital, while traffic diversions and public movement restrictions have been introduced to facilitate the ceremonies.
Iranian media also reported that Khamenei’s coffin was taken to the location where he was killed before the public farewell began. The symbolic visit formed part of the official tribute programme organised by the authorities ahead of the state funeral.
According to official estimates, millions of people are expected to participate in the public mourning events, making it one of the largest funeral gatherings in the country’s recent history. The procession is also expected to extend beyond Tehran, with ceremonies planned at additional locations in Iran and neighbouring Iraq.
Ayatollah Khamenei served as Iran’s highest political and religious authority for decades, shaping the country’s domestic governance and foreign policy during a period marked by regional conflicts and continued tensions with Western nations.
Authorities have appealed for calm and cooperation as the funeral arrangements continue, deploying thousands of security personnel to oversee crowd management and ensure the ceremonies are conducted peacefully. The final rites are scheduled to conclude after the nationwide mourning programme, bringing to an end one of the most significant chapters in the Islamic Republic’s leadership history.
