The body arrives in Tehran as Iran completes preparations for the official funeral of its late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Millions of mourners and dozens of foreign dignitaries are expected to attend the ceremonies.
Images released by Iranian media showed the coffin being carried into the Grand Mosalla in Tehran. The coffin was draped in Iran’s national flag as mourners gathered to pay their final respects.
The body arrives at one of Iran’s most important ceremonial venues after funeral preparations were finalized. The Grand Mosalla has been decorated with banners, flowers, and religious displays ahead of the official events.
Crowds dressed in black attended a pre-funeral ceremony inside the complex. The coffin was placed before a backdrop featuring red flowers and white butterfly decorations.
Among those paying tribute was Ahmad Vahidi, head of the Revolutionary Guards. Iranian media reported that it was his first public appearance since the conflict began earlier this year.
The funeral was initially delayed because of the conflict in the region. Preparations are now taking place as Iran and the United States observe a fragile ceasefire following a preliminary agreement aimed at reducing tensions.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to attend the funeral. Officials from China, Afghanistan, and several neighboring countries are also expected to participate.
Workers spent the final days preparing the Grand Mosalla for the ceremonies. Landscaping teams planted flowers and maintained the grounds as security personnel tightened measures around the venue.
Authorities have increased security throughout Tehran because of the expected turnout. Roads around the ceremony site are being monitored, while access has been restricted in several areas.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf called on citizens to participate in large numbers. He described the funeral as a historic national event and encouraged people to honor the late leader.
According to officials, the ceremonies could attract between 15 and 20 million mourners. If those estimates are reached, it would become one of the largest state funerals in Iran’s history.
The body arrives in Tehran before entering a three-day period of public viewing. During this time, mourners from across Iran will have the opportunity to pay their respects.
Authorities have declared public holidays in Tehran and other cities hosting the funeral events. Government offices and many businesses will remain closed during the ceremonies.
Traffic restrictions have also been introduced across central Tehran to manage the expected crowds. Airspace over the capital will face temporary restrictions as part of the security plan.
Following the ceremonies in Tehran, the coffin will travel to the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala before returning to Iran. The final burial is scheduled to take place at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad.
Representatives from around 30 countries are expected to attend different stages of the funeral. Officials continue to prepare for the arrival of international delegations and millions of mourners as the body arrives for one of the country’s most significant state ceremonies
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