Iran Prepares for Funeral of Slain Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

In Tehran, Iran, a prominent Iranian general, absent from public view for several months, was recently photographed attending a service for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. As the country braced for an extensive funeral, photos surfaced online through Iranian state media on Thursday night showing Gen. Ahmad Vahidi of the paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Vahidi took part in a meeting reportedly discussing funeral arrangements for Khamenei. Later that evening, he was photographed sitting beside Khamenei’s casket at a smaller service located near the former home of the late leader in downtown Tehran.

Both local and international officials paid their respects by walking past Khamenei’s coffin. Images from The Associated Press and Getty Images depicted a significant crowd surrounding the coffin on Friday morning as individuals mourned a leader with a complex legacy. Some mourners wept, illustrating the varied public perception of Khamenei.

Outside the Imam Khomeini Mosalla Grand Mosque, IRGC members were seen bowing. Under Khamenei’s leadership, the IRGC emerged as a dominant military, political, and economic power in Iran. Millions are anticipated to visit and pay tribute to Khamenei, who led Iran for nearly four decades.

The funeral proceedings will occur amidst memories of substantial protests in January that met a harsh crackdown by security forces, resulting in numerous deaths and global reactions.

Khamenei was killed at age 86 on February 28 during the Iran war’s commencement, with family members also losing their lives during a joint assault by the U.S. and Israel. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, aged 56, was injured but assumed the role of Iran’s new supreme leader in March. However, his public absence has raised concerns about his health.

Pictures commemorating Khamenei’s reign from his early days to his final moments were showcased around Tehran on Friday. The city is preparing for upcoming funeral processions expected to attract millions.

Plans include a viewing of Khamenei’s coffin and prayers at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The funeral procession is anticipated to draw significant crowds flooding the capital’s streets on Monday.