World leaders from over 100 nations are expected to attend the multi-day funeral procession honoring the late Ayatollah Khamenei of Iran, who was killed at 86 during the onset of the US-Israel conflict in Tehran.
The ceremony is set to commence today, followed by the public display of Khamenei’s coffin and the remains of his deceased family members who also perished in the conflict. Notably, European countries aligned with the US or Israel have not received invitations.
The funeral event is anticipated to draw millions of mourners across five cities in Iran and Iraq to pay respects to the former leader, as supporters are urged to participate in the processions.
Concerns about potential stampedes during the mourning period have been raised, given past incidents in similar large-scale state mourning events in the region. Khamenei, a dominant figure in Iran for nearly four decades, was assassinated on February 28 during the joint military actions by the US and Israel, causing a delay in the funeral proceedings.
Several world leaders are slated to join the state funeral, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who played a role in brokering the current ceasefire agreement. Additionally, dignitaries from Tajikistan, Armenia, Georgia, Russia, Afghanistan, India, and Bangladesh are expected to be in attendance.
The attendance of Khamenei’s son, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, remains uncertain as he sustained severe injuries in the same attack that claimed his father’s life. Despite the ceasefire holding, Iran has been pressuring ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz to adhere to approved routes to avoid potential threats.
The funeral proceedings will involve displaying Khamenei’s body in several cities, starting in Tehran and concluding with his burial in Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city. The burial at the Imam Reza shrine will mark the final resting place of the esteemed leader, attracting millions of pilgrims annually.
Significant Shiite figures, including Iran’s late President Ebrahim Raisi, have been laid to rest at the shrine, emphasizing its historical and cultural significance. The funeral events are expected to be meticulously orchestrated, honoring Khamenei’s legacy and contributions to Iran’s history.