TEHRAN: Iranian media reports have claimed that extensive preparations are underway for the funeral of martyred Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, including a three-day series of public events before burial. However, these claims have not been independently verified, and no official confirmation has been issued.
Local sources reported that Mohammad Amin Tovakoli Zadeh, the deputy mayor for social and cultural affairs of Tehran Municipality, has revealed that “a three-day public mourning ceremony” will precede the funeral prayers during which people can mourn and pay tribute to Khamenei.
Furthermore, it has been noted that according to Zadeh, after the mourning ceremony comes the funeral prayers followed by the funeral procession. The funeral processions might go on for 24 hours in Tehran depending on the number of participants.
Meanwhile, sources have also revealed that other mourning ceremonies may take place in the holy cities of Qom and Mashhad where the body of the late supreme leader may also be buried near Imam Reza’s shrine based on his wish.
According to statements from officials, Tehran was preparing for one of the biggest public events in the history of Iran, as the number of people who would be taking part was estimated to be anywhere from 15 million to 20 million people. The IRGC is said to be in charge of the whole process of ensuring security, while other governmental and municipal institutions will be organizing other logistics.
There has been no confirmation of any of these statements from any government or independent source.
