Iranian leaders pay respects to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei ahead of funeral

Iranian leaders began paying their respects on Friday to the nation's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, whose body arrived at Tehran's Grand Mosalla ahead of a funeral ceremony expected to draw millions. Khamenei died in US-Israeli strikes that escalated tensions in the Middle East.

A significant number of foreign dignitaries are anticipated at Saturday's official ceremony. Tehran's chief negotiator has urged a massive turnout to avenge Khamenei's death. State TV broadcast images of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf paying their respects. Ahmad Vahidi, head of the Revolutionary Guards, also appeared.

Tehran is undergoing extensive preparations to accommodate a large influx of visitors. Residents have offered their homes to those coming from outside the capital. A large park has been converted into a camp with Red Crescent tents, and preparations include clearing major thoroughfares for the funeral procession and spraying roads to cool participants.

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

The public funeral preparations are proceeding as Iran and the United States observe a fragile ceasefire, following a preliminary deal to halt the conflict. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to attend, along with representatives from China, Afghanistan, and Caucasus nations. Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf called for the Iranian people to "write a glorious page" and ensure the "nation's call for vengeance must ring in the ears of the whole world."

Khamenei, a spiritual figure for many Shias, was 86 years old. He will lie in state for three days at the Grand Mosalla, which has been adorned with banners featuring his image and quotes. The bodies of his slain relatives are also present.

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We will go together to say goodbye to our dear leader.