Iran Prepares for Dayslong Funeral of Former Supreme Leader Khamenei

General Ahmad Vahidi's Public Appearance

General Ahmad Vahidi, a high-ranking official in Iran's Revolutionary Guard, recently made his first public appearance after being absent for several weeks. This event coincides with the preparations for the extended funeral ceremonies of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state media shared images of Vahidi attending a meeting focused on funeral arrangements before he participated in a private ceremony beside Khamenei's casket in Tehran on Thursday night.

Vahidi has not been seen in public since February 8, just prior to the onset of the Iran war. Experts suggest he has played a significant role in shaping Iran's firm position in negotiations aimed at achieving a potential permanent resolution to the conflict with the United States. He is thought to be part of a close circle that maintains direct communication with Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who has reportedly been in hiding following injuries sustained during Israeli strikes on February 28 that resulted in his father's death.

Footage released by Iranian state media depicted the mourning ceremony for Khamenei taking place near the husseiniyah at his compound in Tehran.

Details of Khamenei's Funeral Arrangements

Iran Gears Up for Khamenei's Funeral

According to state media reports, Khamenei's body was placed in a coffin on a stage, adorned with red tulips in front and paper butterflies suspended from the ceiling. Mourners, identified by state media as relatives of those who perished in the 12-day war in 2025 and the recent conflict, threw scarves and other items for attendees to touch against the coffin, a customary practice in Iran.

Subsequently, images of Khamenei's casket were shown, covered by a red flag featuring white calligraphy that reads "Ya Hussein," a phrase commemorating the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson in the 7th century. This flag, which had previously flown over the Imam Hussein shrine in Karbala, Iraq, symbolizes both the bloodshed of the unjustly slain and a call for retribution.

Starting Saturday, Iran will commence a multi-day funeral for Khamenei, with his body being transported to various cities across Iran and into neighboring Iraq. The funeral will kick off at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran, where authorities plan to close streets and disrupt daily activities as mourners pay tribute to Khamenei's life.