Iran Unveils Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s Casket as Thousands Gather for Funeral
Iran on Saturday unveiled the casket of its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran to pay their final respects during the start of a week-long state funeral.
Videos from the ceremony showed large crowds surrounding the flag-draped casket, with mourners offering prayers and chanting slogans as funeral rites commenced.
Khamenei, who served as Iran’s Supreme Leader for more than three decades, was killed on February 28 in a joint US-Israel military strike that targeted key Iranian military and nuclear facilities. His death marked a significant turning point in the country’s political and military leadership.
The funeral ceremonies began at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla, where the casket was brought for public homage. Khamenei had assumed the position of Supreme Leader in 1989 following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and remained Iran’s highest authority for over 35 years.
Iranian officials estimate that between 15 and 20 million people are expected to participate in the nationwide farewell ceremonies. Authorities have deployed extensive security arrangements across the country, with heightened measures in and around the capital, Tehran, as the funeral proceedings continue.
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