From grocery truck to fighter jet: Inside Ali Khamenei's final journey

The funeral journey for Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei spanned six days and covered significant distances across Iran and Iraq, employing an array of transport methods. His body, preserved for over four months since his death on February 28, began its final rites at Tehran's Grand Mosalla religious complex, where mourners paid respects for two days.

On July 6, Khamenei's body embarked on a 12-hour procession through Tehran, carried on a trailer. A helicopter then transported the coffins to Qom, followed by a flight to Iraq. In Najaf, a city holy to Shia Islam, Iraqi officials declared a public holiday, with over two million mourners reportedly attending. The procession continued to Karbala, where the coffins were moved from a refrigerated truck bearing branding similar to Finland's K Group retail chain.

The use of the refrigerated truck in Karbala, which displayed orange-and-white markings resembling those of the Finnish retailer Kesko, prompted an investigation by the company. Kesko stated that a transport partner likely sold the vehicle without removing the decals, despite contractual obligations. Footage showed vapor escaping from the truck's cargo area as the coffin was removed. Authorities in Karbala reported approximately seven million mourners attended the ceremonies.

The transfer back to Iran was delayed due to the immense crowds. Khamenei's body was flown back to Iran on Thursday, escorted by a fighter jet, and arrived in Mashhad, his birthplace. The funeral ceremonies are set to conclude in Mashhad with a prayer led by Ayatollah Hossein Nouri Hamedani. Throughout these events, Iran's current supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has remained notably absent from public view.