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Iran: Public viewing of Ali Khamenei's body begins; burial on July 9
🇬🇷 Greece /Culture & Society

Iran: Public viewing of Ali Khamenei's body begins; burial on July 9

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Iran has begun public viewing of the body of its late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran.
  • Thousands of mourners are gathering at the Grand Mosalla mosque to pay their respects.
  • Khamenei, 86, died on February 28 following U.S. and Israeli bombings, and his funeral is expected to be one of the largest in the country's history.

Public viewing of the body of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has commenced in Tehran, drawing thousands of mourners to the Grand Mosalla mosque. Khamenei, who led Iran for decades after the 1979 Islamic Republic's founding, died at age 86 on February 28 from injuries sustained during U.S. and Israeli bombings.

His coffin, topped with his black turban, is displayed at the mosque, a vast religious complex. The walls are adorned with large portraits of Khamenei, black mourning banners, and red flags symbolizing martyrdom and revenge. Since early morning, thousands of black-clad faithful have gathered, with doors opening at 6:00 AM local time.

revenge

— Crowd chantsIndicating the sentiment among mourners at the public viewing.

Chants of "revenge" and "death to America, death to Israel" were heard among the crowds, phrases common at official Iranian gatherings. Iranian authorities anticipate 15 to 20 million people will participate in the memorial ceremonies in Tehran alone. The funeral, postponed due to the ongoing conflict, is projected to be one of the largest in the nation's history.

The six-day ceremonies are viewed as a demonstration of strength following the conflict triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory. While Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, who succeeded him, has not been confirmed present, other high-ranking officials including the Iranian President, Parliament Speaker, and the head of the Revolutionary Guards have paid their respects.

death to America, death to Israel

— Crowd chantsReflecting anti-U.S. and anti-Israel sentiment often expressed at official gatherings in Iran.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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