Iranian authorities say preparations have been completed for the funeral and burial of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the city of Mashhad. Officials said large crowds of mourners have gathered ahead of the burial ceremony. The event is expected to draw domestic and international attention amid heightened regional tensions.
According to Iranian officials, Khamenei will be laid to rest within the precincts of the Imam Reza Shrine. Iranian media reported that around 470,000 foreign visitors from 27 countries are currently in Mashhad to attend the funeral ceremonies. Authorities said security and logistical arrangements have been finalized to manage the large crowds.
Read more: Iraq’s holy cities honor Khamenei with massive funeral processions
Meanwhile, funeral processions were also held in Iraq, where prayers were offered in Najaf before the body was taken in a large procession to Karbala. Iranian officials said the funeral programme has continued despite recent military attacks. They added that earlier stages of the ceremonies were held in Tehran and Qom before the body was taken to Iraq.
Officials also said damage to the railway link between Tehran and Mashhad caused by recent attacks did not affect the overall funeral arrangements. However, the final burial ceremony was delayed by eight hours. Authorities said the postponement resulted from exceptionally large crowds in Iraq rather than the recent military strikes.
Read more: Iraq hosts funeral processions for Khamenei
The funeral ceremonies have drawn thousands of mourners from across Iran and abroad as the country observes a period of national mourning. Officials expect large gatherings to continue throughout the burial proceedings. The events come at a time of heightened tensions in the region following recent military escalation.