Iran Commemorates Late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei with Grand Funeral Procession
Iran's Tribute to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Multi-day funeral processions for Iran's slain Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei (Photo-@Araghchhi/X)
Tehran, July 4: Iran is gearing up for an extensive funeral for the deceased Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with banners displayed throughout Tehran calling on citizens to support the Islamic Republic following the tragic war that resulted in the 86-year-old cleric's death.
The theocratic regime anticipates that millions will take to the streets of the capital starting Saturday, echoing the scenes from the burial of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989.
This event could strengthen the Iranian government, especially as it seeks to assert its influence over the Strait of Hormuz during negotiations with the United States regarding a permanent resolution to the conflict, amid ongoing fears of potential Israeli attacks.
In a notable appearance, a prominent general leading Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard attended the funeral, marking his first public engagement in months. Other high-ranking officials and foreign dignitaries are also expected to participate, showcasing Iran's unity.
“As long as these individuals, chosen by God, are present, we will steadfastly uphold the ‘no to humiliation’ policy established by the Islamic Republic,” stated Mohammad Hossein Rezaei, a volunteer involved in the funeral preparations.
“We will persist in our quest for independence, with decisions made domestically, allowing the people to determine their own destiny,” he added.
Khamenei's coffin, draped in the national flag, was displayed at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla, alongside family members who lost their lives in the initial Israeli airstrike on February 28.
The deceased honored include his son-in-law, eldest daughter, a 14-month-old granddaughter, and the wife of Iran’s new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who is reportedly in hiding after being injured in the attack.
Religious leaders and foreign dignitaries approached Khamenei’s casket as a military band performed and prayers were sung. Key figures in Iran's civilian government, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and President Masoud Pezeshkian, paid their respects.
Later, state media broadcast images of Khamenei’s casket adorned with a red flag inscribed with ‘Ya Hussein’, a Shiite 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 blood of the unjustly slain and a call for retribution.
Images released by Iranian state media depicted Gen Ahmad Vahidi attending a meeting on the funeral arrangements, later sitting beside Khamenei’s casket during a smaller service held near the former Supreme Leader’s residence in downtown Tehran.