Flowers and a raised fist: Tehran's Grand Mosalla readies for Khamenei farewell

Tehran's Grand Mosalla is abuzz with activity as workers prepare for the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader for three decades, who was assassinated on February 28. Under intense heat, dozens are meticulously arranging the vast religious complex, which will host Khamenei's body starting Saturday. Security is exceptionally tight, with personnel stationed at the main entrance, checking permits for every vehicle.

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

Inside the complex, massive portraits of the late leader adorn the walls, interspersed with black flags signifying mourning and red flags representing martyrdom and vengeance. Images depict Khamenei during the Iran-Iraq war, alongside symbols of resistance against the West. Hossein Moghadassi, a worker on site, described the preparations: "We are planting flowers and watering the shrubs for the farewell ceremony of our martyred guide."

Organizers anticipate a massive turnout, estimating between 15 and 20 million people will participate in the funeral events in Tehran alone. The Mosalla's gates are set to open early Saturday. Trucks are delivering substantial quantities of drinking water in anticipation of temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. Ambulances and rescue vehicles are also on standby throughout the six days of national mourning declared in Khamenei's honor.

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

Banners displaying Khamenei's notable quotes and an image of him with a raised fist, a symbol of defiance, are visible across the site. Other banners proclaim, "We are mourning, but we remain on our feet." Khamenei's remains will lie in state for three days before a procession through the capital on Monday.

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We are mourning, but we remain on our feet.