BREAKING: Iran Announces Burial Date For Late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Iran on Tuesday announced preparations for the state funeral of its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with authorities expecting millions of mourners to attend ceremonies beginning this weekend in Tehran.
According to the authorities, workers have started setting up the Grand Mosalla in the Iranian capital, where Khamenei’s body will lie in state ahead of Saturday’s funeral.
Giant portraits of the late leader have been erected across the venue, while security has been significantly reinforced.
Khamenei, who was killed at the age of 86 during US-Israeli airstrikes on the opening day of the recent Middle East conflict, will be honoured in what officials say could become the largest state funeral in Iran’s history.
The bodies of his slain relatives will also be displayed during the public ceremony.
Iranian authorities estimate that between 15 and 20 million people could participate in the funeral rites, prompting extensive logistical preparations across Tehran.
State television showed workers erecting temporary structures and carrying out final preparations at the venue, while officials urged mourners to use public transportation because of expected road closures and heavy congestion.
Authorities have also advised attendees to remain hydrated, with high temperatures forecast during the funeral period.
A separate ceremony for foreign dignitaries is scheduled for Friday.
Ali-Akbar Pourjamshidian, secretary of the funeral headquarters, said representatives from about 30 countries are expected to attend, with delegations also arriving from neighbouring Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Tehran, alongside the holy cities of Qom and Mashhad, will observe public holidays during the funeral period. Public and private offices in the capital are expected to remain closed from Saturday through Monday, while traffic restrictions will affect much of the city centre.
Across Tehran, banners bearing messages of national resilience and promises of a “bright future” have been displayed, alongside the official slogan for the funeral: “We Must Rise.”
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Following the ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei’s body will be taken to the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala before being buried on July 9 at the shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad, his birthplace.
Officials have not confirmed whether Khamenei’s son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, will appear at the funeral.
Addressing the issue, Pourjamshidian said: “The issue of the Supreme Leader’s attendance is not within my authority or knowledge. If there is any programme, it will certainly be announced by the Office of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.”
The funeral comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States following weeks of conflict, as Tehran continues efforts to restore stability after the war.