- Millions Expected to Attend State Ceremony as Iran Honors Late Leader
TEHRAN: Giant portraits of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei adorned Tehran’s Grand Mosalla on Tuesday as workers intensified preparations for the late Iranian leader’s state funeral, which officials say could attract between 15 and 20 million mourners and become the largest funeral ceremony in the country’s history.
The funeral, postponed during the height of the recent Middle East conflict, comes as Iran and the United States maintain a fragile ceasefire following a preliminary agreement aimed at ending hostilities.
Khamenei, regarded by many Shiite Muslims as a spiritual and political symbol, was killed at the age of 86 at his compound in central Tehran on February 28, the opening day of the war.
Massive Security and Logistical Preparations Underway
The public funeral ceremony is scheduled to begin on Saturday at the Grand Mosalla complex in central Tehran, a venue traditionally used for major Friday prayers, national events, and religious gatherings. The bodies of several of Khamenei’s slain relatives will also be presented during the proceedings.
State television footage showed workers repainting sections of the vast complex, welding metal structures, and using cranes to install additional facilities in anticipation of unprecedented crowds. A heavy police presence has already been deployed around the venue, while some lanes on major highways across the capital have been closed to ease traffic congestion.
Authorities have urged mourners to rely on public transportation and observe public safety measures, including staying hydrated as temperatures are expected to rise during the funeral period.
Foreign Delegations Expected From Around 30 Countries
Ali-Akbar Pourjamshidian, secretary of the funeral ceremony headquarters, said a separate gathering for foreign heads of state and dignitaries will be held on Friday.
According to officials, representatives from approximately 30 countries are expected to attend, with large numbers of mourners also anticipated from neighboring nations, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Public holidays have been declared in Tehran and in the holy cities of Qom and Mashhad, which will host subsequent stages of the funeral and burial ceremonies. Public and private offices in the capital will remain closed from Saturday through Monday, while extensive traffic restrictions will limit access to central districts.
Funeral Takes Place Amid Political and Social Challenges
The ceremony comes six months after nationwide demonstrations initially sparked by rising living costs before developing into broader anti-government protests.
Across Tehran, banners and posters linked to the funeral have carried messages promising Iran a “bright future,” while others display the official slogan of the ceremonies: “We Must Rise.”
State television has dedicated extensive coverage to documentaries and special programs highlighting Khamenei’s life, leadership, and political legacy.
Questions Remain Over Successor’s Public Appearance
Following the ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei’s body is expected to be taken to the holy Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala before being laid to rest on July 9 at the shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad, his birthplace in northeastern Iran.
It remains unclear whether his son and designated successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since his appointment, will attend the main funeral events in Tehran.
“The issue of the Supreme Leader’s attendance is not within my authority or knowledge,” Pourjamshidian said.
“If there is any program, it will certainly be announced by the Office of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.”
BY: The Times Union
