Ex-Iran supreme leader’s body arrives Tehran’s religious complex for funeral

The body of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes that escalated regional tensions, has arrived at Tehran's Grand Mosalla ahead of his funeral. State media reported the arrival on Friday, with millions of people and numerous foreign dignitaries anticipated at Saturday's official ceremony.

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We are planting flowers and watering the shrubs for the farewell ceremony of our martyred guide.

Tehran's chief negotiator urged a massive turnout to avenge Khamenei's death, emphasizing the significance of the event. Photos depicted mourners carrying Khamenei's coffin into the Grand Mosalla, a key ceremonial venue, amidst crowds dressed in black. The pre-funeral ceremony featured red flowers and white butterflies.

Preparations for the public funeral are proceeding as Iran and the United States observe a fragile ceasefire, having signed a preliminary deal to end the conflict. Pakistan, a mediator in the US-Iran talks, confirmed its Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would attend. China, Afghanistan, and neighboring Caucasus nations also announced they would send representatives.

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People will come from all over Iran. There will be huge crowds.

Workers were seen readying the Grand Mosalla on Thursday, with security teams managing access. One worker described the preparations as a "farewell ceremony of our martyred guide," anticipating large crowds from across Iran. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator, called on the Iranian people to "write a glorious page in the history of Islamic Iran through your presence" and ensure "the nation's call for vengeance must ring in the ears of the whole world."

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all the Iranian people…to write a glorious page in the history of Islamic Iran through your presence.

Khamenei, a spiritual figure for many Shia Muslims, died at 86. He will lie in state for three days at the Grand Mosalla, which has been adorned with banners featuring his images and quotes. The bodies of his slain relatives will also be displayed. Officials estimate the ceremonies could draw between 15 and 20 million mourners, potentially making it the largest state funeral in Iran's history. Ghalibaf described it as "one of the most significant moments" in the nation's history.

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The nation’s call for vengeance must ring in the ears of the whole world.