BREAKING: Iranian authorities have called for millions of people to attend the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and honour his legacy.
TEHRAN, IRAN — Iranian officials have urged a massive turnout for the funeral of Ali Khamenei, the country’s late Supreme Leader, saying the ceremonies should demonstrate national unity and serve as a response to those blamed for his death. State media said funeral events will begin in Tehran before concluding in the holy city of Mashhad.
According to Iranian authorities, the funeral processions will start on July 4 and continue through several cities, with millions of mourners expected to participate. Officials have tightened security measures and announced temporary restrictions in parts of Tehran and Mashhad ahead of the ceremonies.
Senior Iranian military officials have warned the United States and Israel against any further military action during the mourning period. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi also condemned remarks from Israeli officials and said Iran would respond firmly to any new threats, according to state media reports.
Khamenei, who led Iran for more than three decades, was reported to have died during the opening phase of a conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel earlier this year. His death marked a major turning point in Iranian politics and triggered a leadership transition in the Islamic Republic.
The development means Iran’s funeral ceremonies are likely to become both a national mourning event and a major political statement. The large turnout expected in Tehran and other cities will be closely watched by governments across the world as tensions in the Middle East remain high and questions continue over the future direction of Iran’s leadership.
