In Iran, preparations are underway for the six-day state funeral of the former Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, which will begin in Tehran today.

 

The authorities expect millions of mourners to attend the ceremonies, with extensive security and traffic arrangements in place.

 

Senior Iranian leaders, military commanders and foreign dignitaries paid their respects to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla.

 

Among those present were President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Revolutionary Guards commander Ahmad Vahidi. 

 

India was represented by the Governor of Bihar, Lt General Syed Ata Hasnain and the Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita.

 

In a social media post, Mr Margherita said they conveyed respect on behalf of the Government and the people of India. They also extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent conflict. 

 

Among other Foreign dignitaries included former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, senior Chinese representative He Wei, Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, and delegations from several countries. The funeral comes after Khamenei was killed in Israeli and US airstrikes on the 28th of February.

 

The funeral procession will continue over the next few days before concluding with his burial in the holy city of Mashhad on 9th of this month. Public mourning will continue for 40 days thereafter.