Iranians will gather to bid farewell to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who martyred in air strikes reportedly carried out by Israel and the U.S. at the age of 86.
The official farewell ceremony in Tehran is set to begin Wednesday evening.
Hojjatoleslam Mahmoudi, head of Iran’s Islamic Propagation Council, confirmed that the ceremony would last three days, with the funeral procession details to be announced later.
The public can pay respects to Khamenei’s body at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Prayer Hall starting at 10 p.m. local time (1830 GMT). Mahmoudi encouraged citizens to attend, saying the hall will welcome visitors to “mark a strong presence once again.”
Khamenei’s legacy and martyrdom
Khamenei, 86, led Iran with a firm stance against the U.S. and Israel. His death, reported by Iranian state media, occurred in air strikes allegedly carried out by Israel and the United States.
State media emphasized the enduring influence of Khamenei’s leadership on Iran’s political landscape, highlighting his role in shaping the country’s domestic and foreign policies over several decades.
The three-day ceremony provides an opportunity for Iranians to collectively mourn their late leader and pay tribute. Security and logistics arrangements are expected to accommodate the anticipated large turnout in Tehran, reflecting Khamenei’s long-standing position as a central figure in Iran’s governance and religious hierarchy.
