Iran has officially begun the funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with thousands of mourners gathering in Tehran for the first of six days of national tributes.
The Ali Khamenei funeral ceremonies started on Saturday at Tehran's Grand Mosalla religious complex, where crowds carrying red banners assembled to pay their final respects. Iranian authorities expect between 15 and 20 million people to participate in events across the capital over the coming days.
Khamenei, who led the Islamic Republic from 1989 until his death at the age of 86, was killed on February 28 during the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
State media described the funeral as one of the largest public events in the country's recent history, with extensive security measures put in place, including road closures and restrictions on airspace.
Many mourners chanted slogans condemning the United States and Israel while expressing loyalty to the late leader.
One attendee, identified as Reza, said he joined the ceremony to fulfil what he described as a promise to stand by Khamenei until the end. Another mourner, Javad Akbari, said he regretted never having the opportunity to meet the former supreme leader in person and wanted to bid him a final farewell.
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Authorities said Khamenei's coffin will remain in Tehran until Monday before a funeral procession moves through the capital.
The body will then be taken to Qom on Tuesday before continuing to holy cities in neighbouring Iraq on Wednesday. Burial is scheduled for Thursday in Mashhad, Khamenei's hometown in northeastern Iran.
The ceremonies are also being closely watched for any public appearance by Mojtaba Khamenei, who was named supreme leader following his father's death but has yet to appear publicly.
According to reports, Mojtaba Khamenei was injured during the same attacks that claimed his father's life, although officials have not disclosed the extent of those injuries.
Several senior Iranian officials attended the opening ceremonies, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who appeared emotional during the tributes.
International delegations were also present, including Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Dmitry Medvedev, representing Russian President Vladimir Putin. Representatives of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Afghanistan's Taliban government also attended.
Iranian military leaders used the occasion to reaffirm their stance following the recent conflict, warning that the country remains prepared to respond if hostilities resume.
Officials also appealed for large public participation while urging attendees to follow safety guidelines due to expected temperatures exceeding 35°C and concerns about overcrowding during the funeral processions.
The Ali Khamenei funeral ceremonies are expected to continue until Thursday, when the former Iranian leader will be laid to rest in Mashhad, bringing to an end one of the most significant periods of national mourning in Iran's modern history.
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