Iran is completing final preparations in Tehran for the state funeral of its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a U.S.-Israel airstrike on February 28. The ceremony will begin Saturday at the Grand Mosalla complex, where his body will lie in state for public tribute. Workers are finalizing decorations and security arrangements, while authorities have declared public holidays and restricted traffic across central Tehran.
According to officials, between 15 and 20 million people are expected to attend, making it the largest state funeral in Iran’s history. A separate event for foreign dignitaries will be held Friday, with representatives from about 30 countries expected. Iran’s foreign ministry said no formal invitations were sent to European nations, criticizing their stance on the U.S.-Israel war. The ceremony coincides with six months of nationwide protests over rising living costs.
After the Tehran events, Khamenei’s body will be taken to Iraq’s holy cities of Najaf and Karbala before burial on July 9 in Mashhad. It remains unclear whether his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, will attend the main ceremony.