Iran Prepares for Massive Funeral Week for Leader Ali Khamenei

Iran is preparing for an extensive week-long funeral ceremony for its late leader Ali Khamenei, starting today and continuing until next Thursday. The funeral procession will pass through several key cities including Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad, with a possible stop in Iraq's holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. Authorities expect up to 20 million people to participate in the events, marking it as the largest state funeral in the history of the Islamic Republic.

Security forces, including the Basij and the Revolutionary Guards, are organizing a broad defensive operation to manage the massive crowds, transportation, and logistics. Preparations include potential flight cancellations, large parking and reception areas, and the use of schools, mosques, sports halls, and universities as temporary accommodations. The government aims to conduct the events smoothly amid heightened tensions with the United States.

Key Iranian officials such as President Ebrahim Raisi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf will attend the ceremonies. Notably, there is uncertainty whether Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Iranian leader and son of the deceased, will appear publicly for the first time at the funeral. Similarly, Ahmad Vahidi, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards who has not been seen publicly since his appointment during the ongoing war, has been involved in the funeral preparations and appeared alongside the coffin in Tehran.

Yesterday, Ghalibaf met with representatives of the Amal Movement, an ally of Hezbollah, who arrived in Tehran for the funeral events. Today, a tribute to foreign dignitaries and leaders is scheduled in Tehran, with representatives from dozens of countries expected to attend. Public farewell ceremonies will be held over the weekend, followed by the main funeral procession on Monday and subsequent ceremonies in Qom and Mashhad.

The Iranian regime has also issued explicit warnings to Israel and the United States amid the funeral preparations, underscoring the event's political significance. The funeral is seen as a critical moment for Iran to demonstrate unity and strength during a period of regional and international tension.