The casket of slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s granddaughter, Zahra Mohammadi Golpayegani, is displayed alongside the caskets of Khamenei and other members of his family during a viewing ceremony ahead of the dayslong funeral ceremonies at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla Grand Mosque in Tehran, Iran. (Photo: AP)
Thousands of mourners gathered at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla on Saturday as Iran began a week-long state funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, months after he was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes. The ceremonies, delayed by the Iran-Israel-US conflict, are finally taking place after last month’s ceasefire and are expected to draw up to 20 million people across Iran. India is among the countries represented, with an official delegation attending the funeral in Tehran.
Why the funeral matters
Iran has turned the funeral into a show of national unity following the end of Khamenei’s 37-year rule. His coffin, draped in the Iranian flag and topped with his signature black turban, has been placed alongside the coffins of four slain family members, including his 14-month-old granddaughter. As thousands chanted “Death to America” and vowed “revenge”, authorities mobilised transport, food and accommodation for mourners, while security was tightened across the capital ahead of the week-long ceremonies.
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What to expect today
Khamenei’s remains will lie in state in Tehran before beginning a six-day journey through Qom, Najaf, and Karbala ahead of his burial at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad on July 9. Representing India, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain have paid tribute in Tehran, while Congress leader Salman Khurshid, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, and religious leaders from India have also joined the ceremonies. Follow The Indian Express live for the latest updates from Tehran, India’s participation, international reactions, the funeral processions across Iran and Iraq, and developments in the US-Iran peace process.
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Mourners gather around the coffin of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as it lies in a mourning hall adjacent to the Imam Khomeini Hussainiya, in Tehran, Iran, late Thursday. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)
Top updates:
- Funeral begins: Thousands gather in Tehran as Iran starts week-long funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- India attends: MoS External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain lead India’s official delegation.
- Massive turnout expected: Iranian authorities expect 15-20 million mourners to participate in the ceremonies.
- Coffin in state: Khamenei’s coffin, draped in the Iranian flag, is displayed alongside four family members, including his 14-month-old granddaughter.
- Funeral route: Processions will pass through Tehran, Qom, Najaf and Karbala before burial in Mashhad on July 9.
- Anti-US slogans: Crowds chant “Death to America” and “Revenge” as the ceremonies begin.
- Delayed by war: The funeral was postponed for months because of the Iran-Israel-US conflict and could only begin after the recent ceasefire.
- Successor absent: Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since being wounded in the February strike.
Follow The Indian Express Global Desk live coverage for the latest updates from West Asia, the diplomatic corridors of Europe, and the evolving legal battles in Washington.
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