Funeral Prayers Offered for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran

TEHRAN – On Sunday, Iran witnessed one more day of national grief, as funeral prayers were offered for Ayatollah SeyAli Khamenei in Tehran.

The third day of the state funeral in Tehran, thousands of people attended, as the country perceived a public holiday to mark the occasion.

The Grand Mosalla complex held the funeral prayers, headed by Grand Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani, where Ayatollah Khamenei’s body was lying in state,

As per to Iranian officials, Ayatollah Khamenei’s body will remain at the Grand Mosalla until Sunday evening before being taken through the streets of Tehran in funeral processions on Monday.

People in large numbers dressed in black were present at the ceremony, holding red flags and paying tribute to the late leader.

Sated by Mohammad Mirsalehi, a 38-year-old cleric attending the funeral, “The leader was like a father to all of us. His passing is a great loss,” Mohammad Mirsalehi, a 38-year-old cleric attending the funeral.

Ayatollah Khamenei’s coffin, topped with his black turban, was kept at the front of the funeral venue. alongside the coffins of four family members who were also killed in the February 28 airstrikes, including his infant granddaughter.

Officials expect the funeral ceremonies in Tehran, more than 10 million mourners are expected gather in funeral event.

The state funeral comes just weeks after the conflict between Iran the United States and Israel ended under a ceasefire. Even though a peace has been reached, but pressures continue as both Tehran and Washington warn they are ready for any repeated clash.

According to President Masoud Pezeshkian, the huge public gathering reflected the respect many Iranians had for Ayatollah Khamenei. He also blamed Israel of generating uncertainty in the region and said Iran would continue to stand against pressure from its opponents.

Ayatollah Khamenei led Iran for decades and was known for his firm stance against the West. During his leadership, Iran maintained support for armed groups in the region, including Hamas and Hezbollah.