Diplomats pay tribute to Khamenei
Collected Photo
The first phase of the funeral and final farewell rituals for Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has begun. His body was brought to the Grand Mosalla of Tehran early Friday morning.
Iran's state-owned media outlet, Press TV, reported that the body has been placed in the main prayer hall for a two-day public viewing, allowing citizens to pay their respects. In the initial phase, foreign diplomats and religious figures are arriving to offer their tributes.
Before the start of the rituals today, Friday, the body was brought to the capital, Tehran, on Thursday evening. Along with Khamenei's body, the remains of other Iranian officials killed in the joint US-Israeli attack have also been placed there for tributes.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called upon people from all walks of life in the country to participate in these rituals.
In a post on the social media platform X, he wrote, "As Iran prepares to bid a final farewell to this dedicated servant of the revolution, I call upon all people, regardless of nationality, religion, or political ideology, to participate. Through this, an everlasting image of national unity and loyalty to the sublime ideals of the Islamic system will be reflected."
According to Iranian officials, a gathering of 15 million to 20 million mourners is expected at the funeral and burial programs.
According to the announced schedule, the farewell rituals for Ali Khamenei began today, Friday (July 3), with the participation of heads of state, high-ranking officials, and religious leaders from various countries.
Following this, the farewell ceremony will continue for the general public to pay their respects in Tehran on July 4 and 5. His main funeral prayer (Janazah) will be held in the capital, Tehran, on July 6.
After the rituals in the capital, Khamenei's body will be taken to Iran's holy city of Qom on July 7. Following the observance of religious rituals there, his body will be transported to neighboring Iraq on July 8.
Religious and political leaders in Baghdad, Najaf, and Karbala in Iraq will receive Khamenei's body. His funeral rituals will be completed at the major Shia holy sites there.
The week-long rituals will conclude on July 9. He will be buried following the final funeral prayer at the Imam Ali Reza Shrine in Mashhad, one of the most sacred Shia pilgrimage sites in northeastern Iran.
Source: Press TV
