Iran prepares for massive funeral for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

Iran is bracing for a monumental funeral procession for its Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, with authorities anticipating an unprecedented turnout of 15 to 20 million people in Tehran over six days. The massive gathering is being framed as a significant demonstration of national strength following Khamenei's death at the age of 86.

Khamenei's passing reportedly occurred on February 28, the same day as an alleged US-Israel attack. The extensive six-day ceremony is drawing international attention, particularly regarding the potential public appearance of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has been named as a successor but has yet to be seen publicly.

Security measures are exceptionally stringent, with major road closures and anticipated airspace restrictions. The scale of the event is being compared to the 1989 funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic. Khamenei's coffin will lie in state until Monday, followed by a procession through Tehran.

Following the Tehran ceremonies, Khamenei's body will be taken to Qom on Tuesday, then to Najaf in Iraq on Wednesday, before a final burial on Thursday in his birthplace, Mashhad, in northeastern Iran. Senior officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Ahmad Vahidi, who heads the Revolutionary Guard, have been seen expressing grief and solidarity.