Tehran: Iran has begun elaborate funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with authorities preparing for days of nationwide mourning and public processions. As preparations intensified in Tehran, a senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) made his first public appearance since Khamenei’s death, drawing significant attention.
Images released by Iranian state media showed General Ahmad Vahidi, a key figure within the Revolutionary Guard, attending a high-level meeting related to the funeral arrangements before later appearing beside Khamenei’s coffin during a private memorial service held on Thursday night in the Iranian capital.
The appearance marked Vahidi’s first public engagement in recent days, with observers noting that several top Iranian officials had maintained a low profile following the death of the country’s highest-ranking leader.
Iran has planned a multi-stage farewell for Khamenei, with public mourning ceremonies beginning in Tehran before the funeral procession moves through several locations inside Iran and later into neighbouring Iraq. Authorities expect the ceremonies to draw millions of mourners.
The main funeral gathering is scheduled to take place at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla, where extensive security and traffic restrictions have been imposed. Officials have announced road closures and other measures to manage the expected influx of mourners attending the state ceremony.
Iranian state television also reported that Khamenei’s coffin was taken to the location where he was killed before the public funeral commenced. The visit was described as a symbolic tribute before the body was placed on public display for final respects.
According to official reports, the principal public mourning events are being held over July 4 and July 5, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps estimating that attendance could reach unprecedented levels during the farewell ceremonies.
Ayatollah Khamenei, who led Iran for decades, remained the country’s most influential political and religious authority throughout his tenure. His death marks one of the most significant moments in the Islamic Republic’s modern history, with the funeral ceremonies expected to be closely watched both within Iran and internationally.
Authorities have deployed extensive security across Tehran and other locations hosting the funeral events to ensure the ceremonies proceed without disruption as the country observes one of its largest periods of national mourning in recent years.
