Iran prepares large-scale funeral processions for Ali Khamenei

Tehran (ANTARA) - Large-scale funeral processions for the late Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who passed away in late February, will be held in Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad, according to Tehran authorities.

The Deputy Mayor of Tehran for Social and Cultural Affairs, Mohammad-Amin Tavakolizadeh, stated on Tuesday that Ali Khamenei’s remains will be interred next to the Shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad. The funeral ceremonies are scheduled to take place from the end of the month of Zulhijjah 1447 H to the beginning of Muharram 1448 H, which corresponds to mid-June.

He confirmed that the processions for the late Ali Khamenei will last for three full days, with the ceremony in Tehran expected to continue for at least 24 hours. Mashhad, where Ali Khamenei will be buried, is expected to welcome mourners from several countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Bangladesh.

Tavakolizadeh noted that the funeral ceremonies for Ali Khamenei will become the largest gathering of Muslims and Shias in the world. Following the establishment of a mourning period in Iraq and the performance of symbolic funeral ceremonies in several cities across that country, the Deputy Mayor of Tehran expressed confidence that the atmosphere of mourning would also encompass other Islamic nations such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Yemen.