Iran plans multi-city funeral ceremonies for former supreme leader Ali Khamenei

Iran is preparing a series of funeral ceremonies for former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, with public processions expected to take place in multiple cities, according to a Tehran municipal official.

Mohammad Ali Tavakolizadeh, Tehran municipality’s deputy for social and cultural affairs, said the main funeral procession is likely to be held toward the end of the Iranian calendar month of Khordad, which concludes on June 21. He added that discussions are underway to extend preparation time to ensure the event is properly organised, Iran International reports.

He said Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been tasked with organising the ceremonies.

Tavakolizadeh noted that three days would be allocated for the public to pay their final respects, while the main ceremony in Tehran is expected to last at least 24 hours.

He added that Khamenei’s body would also be taken to the holy cities of Qom and Mashhad as part of funeral processions before burial. According to him, the burial will take place in accordance with Khamenei’s will at the shrine of Imam Reza, the eighth Imam in Shiite Islam.

By Sabina Mammadli