Funeral Rites for Ali Khamenei Begin in Tehran

A two-day final tribute ceremony for the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei began at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla complex in Tehran on Saturday, drawing throngs of mourners from across the country. The body of the late leader, along with those of four family members who perished with him in a United States and Israeli attack in late February, was placed on a stage. Mourners from various backgrounds carried photographs of Khamenei and Iranian flags, chanting slogans condemning the US and Israel. Authorities imposed strict traffic restrictions in Tehran, particularly around the Mosalla area, while preparing various support services to accommodate the mourners. The two-day ceremony follows a tribute held in Tehran on Friday, where senior Iranian officials and several foreign dignitaries paid their final respects. A funeral procession is scheduled for Monday in Tehran, expected to be attended by citizens from Iran and neighbouring countries. Further ceremonies will take place in the city of Qom on Tuesday, before the body is transported to Iraq for rituals in Najaf and Karbala on Wednesday. Khamenei will be laid to rest in the city of Mashhad, northeastern Iran, on Thursday, which the government has declared a national day of mourning. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was selected as the new Supreme Leader in March.