Khamenei's State Funeral Held in Tehran, Representatives from 30 Countries to Attend Memorial

Key News on Iran-U.S. War

(CNA Tehran, July 3, Combined Reports) Iranian state media reported that the body of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei, who died in a U.S. and Israeli airstrike in late February, was transported today to the Grand Mosalla Mosque in the capital, Tehran, for a state funeral.

Millions of citizens and foreign dignitaries from various countries are expected to attend Khamenei's (Ali Khamenei) official memorial service tomorrow.

According to public footage, Khamenei's coffin, draped in Iran's tricolor flag, was welcomed into the Grand Mosalla Mosque today.

The preparations for Khamenei's funeral were delayed due to the wartime situation and have only now commenced after the U.S. and Iran signed a framework for a peace agreement.

Khamenei, considered a spiritual leader by many Shia Muslims, was killed in an attack on his official residence during U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in Iran in late February, at the age of 86. His coffin will be placed at the Grand Mosalla Mosque for three days for public viewing.

It is understood that representatives from China, Afghanistan, and neighboring countries in the Caucasus region will attend the funeral. Pakistan, which mediated during the U.S.-Iran negotiations, has also stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the ceremony.

Iranian officials stated that the funeral is expected to attract 15 to 20 million people, which would make it the largest state funeral in Iranian history.

Iran has arranged for Khamenei's national memorial service to be held in Tehran, inviting foreign heads of state and delegations. Approximately 30 countries are expected to send representatives, and parts of Tehran's airspace will be temporarily closed.

The formal burial is scheduled for July 9, when Khamenei's body will be transported back to his hometown of Mashhad and finally interred at the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza.

Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, has not made a public appearance since succeeding him as Supreme Leader. It remains unknown whether he will appear at the main ceremony in Tehran. (Compiled by Ji Jin-ling) 1150703

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