Iran Prepares for the Funeral of Ayatollah Khamenei

In Tehran, Iran, a high-ranking Iranian general, Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, who had been absent from public appearances for months, was photographed at a service honoring the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The country is preparing for an extensive funeral spanning several days.

Images released by Iranian state media on Thursday night showed Vahidi, head of the paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reportedly attending a meeting regarding Khamenei’s funeral. He was later observed sitting beside Khamenei’s casket during a smaller service held at the late leader’s former residence in downtown Tehran.

Local and foreign dignitaries passed by Khamenei’s coffin, offering their respects. The Associated Press noted that this gathering indicated the regime’s strength amid external pressures.

The Associated Press and Getty Images published photos depicting crowds surrounding the coffin on Friday morning. Mourners were visibly emotional, paying tribute to Khamenei, a figure held in both high regard and disdain.

Members of the IRGC were seen outside the Imam Khomeini Mosalla Grand Mosque, kneeling in respect. Under Khamenei’s leadership, the IRGC became a dominant force in Iran, wielding significant military, political, and economic influence.

With Khamenei’s nearly four-decade-long rule coming to an end, millions are anticipated to pay their respects. The funeral events provide a stark contrast to the massive protests in January, which were met with a harsh government crackdown, resulting in thousands of deaths.

Khamenei, aged 86, was killed along with family members, including his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild, during the initiation of the Iran war on February 28 when the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran. His successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, survived the assault and assumed leadership in March, though he remains unseen in public, leading to speculation about his state.

The capital is adorned with images from Khamenei’s tenure, shown from his early leadership days to recent times. Tehran’s streets are expected to be filled with mourners during processions set for Monday, following viewing sessions and prayers scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at the Grand Mosalla.