Millions Pay Tearful Tribute as State Farewell Begins for Iran’s Late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Tehran | The Global Journal
Iran's days-long state farewell ceremony for its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, officially began on Saturday in the capital, Tehran. Millions of mourners gathered around his national flag-draped coffin, beating their chests in grief as chants echoed throughout the city.
According to the Iranian government, the 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an airstrike carried out at the opening stage of the Iran war on February 28. After leading the country for decades, his death marks the beginning of a new chapter in Iran's political and religious leadership. Analysts believe the state funeral could also help consolidate public support for the country's new leadership.
The state mourning ceremony comes at a time when Iran is weighing the possibility of post-war diplomatic negotiations with the United States. Meanwhile, tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and concerns over the possibility of renewed military conflict continue to draw international attention.
Thousands of mourners became visibly emotional while paying their final respects to the late leader. Many chanted slogans calling for revenge. Large portraits of Ayatollah Khamenei and mourning banners have been displayed across Tehran, while crowds observed traditional Shiite mourning rituals by rhythmically beating their chests.
One mourner, Masoumeh Mohammadi, said, "Imam Khamenei was our heart, our father, our everything. I still cannot believe he has been martyred."
The main stage at Tehran's Grand Mosalla was designed to resemble the setting of Khamenei's longtime Husseiniyah, where he regularly delivered speeches. A chair similar to the one he used, along with a microphone and table, was placed on the stage. Above it hung a portrait of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Revolution.
Authorities implemented extensive security measures throughout the area. Metal detectors, body searches, and a heavy deployment of security personnel were in place. Volunteers distributed water and sprayed cooling mist on mourners to help them cope with the intense summer heat.
Khamenei's coffin was topped with his black turban, symbolizing his lineage as a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The coffins of family members who were also killed in the same attack were displayed alongside his.
Crowds continued to pour into Tehran throughout the day, with people traveling from across the capital and other parts of the country to pay their final respects.
According to Iranian authorities, the ceremony marks the beginning of three days of official national mourning and commemoration. From the early hours of the morning, millions gathered around the entrances and surrounding areas of the Grand Mosalla to bid farewell to the late Supreme Leader.
— The Global Journal
