Khamenei's coffin arrives by helicopter in holy city of Qom

The coffin of Iran's late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, arrived in the holy city of Qom on Monday evening via helicopter, according to state television. The arrival marks a significant point in the ongoing mourning period for the influential religious and political figure.

Earlier on Monday, thousands of Iranians gathered in the capital, Tehran, to participate in a funeral procession. The large turnout underscored Khamenei's prominent role in the country's recent history and the deep respect he commanded among a significant portion of the population.

Further ceremonies are scheduled to take place in Qom on Tuesday. Following these, Khamenei's coffin will be transported to the holy Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala. The extensive series of memorial events will culminate on Thursday with Khamenei's burial in his hometown of Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed on February 28, following military attacks by the United States and Israel in Tehran. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has reportedly succeeded him as supreme leader, though he has not yet appeared in public. Media reports suggest he may have been seriously wounded in the attack that claimed his father's life.