Iran Observes Extended Mourning for Slain Supreme Leader

Iran is currently observing a significant period of public mourning following the death of its former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Ayatollah was reportedly killed in February by US missile strikes, an event that also preceded further strikes on a school in Minab resulting in numerous child casualties.

The funeral rites are extensive, with Khamenei’s body set to lie in state at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla starting Friday. This is in preparation for his eventual burial next Thursday in his hometown of Mashhad.

Officials anticipate a massive turnout for the funeral, with estimates from AFP suggesting up to 20 million people may attend. The former Ayatollah’s remains will be joined by those of family members who also perished in the February attacks attributed to both the US and Israel.

An official funeral service is scheduled for Saturday in Tehran. Preparations include the closure of public and private offices in the capital from Saturday to Monday, substantial traffic restrictions in the city center, and partial to full airspace closures over Tehran during the key mourning days.

Following the Tehran ceremonies, Khamenei’s body will be transported for services in the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala before the final burial in Mashhad. The attendance of international dignitaries, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is expected.

This period of mourning occurs amidst a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States, following a preliminary agreement reached in June to de-escalate their conflict.

Ayatollah Khamenei has been succeeded by his son, Mojtaba, whose public appearances have been limited since assuming the role of Supreme Leader.

Source: Nile Post