AiBotQom, Iran – The body of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, arrived at the Jamkaran Mosque in the holy city of Qom early today, marking a somber start to a series of funeral prayers that will take place this morning. Khamenei, who had served as the Supreme Leader of Iran since the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, passed away on Tuesday evening at the age of 82. His passing has sent shockwaves throughout the Islamic Republic, with millions of Iranians mourning the loss of their revered leader.
According to reports, the body of Ayatollah Khamenei was brought to the Jamkaran Mosque under heavy security, where it was met by senior government officials, military personnel, and thousands of mourners. The mosque, which is considered a sacred site in Shia Islam, has been transformed into a focal point for national mourning, with crowds packing the surrounding streets in anticipation of the funeral prayers.
As per tradition, members of Ayatollah Khamenei’s family will perform a series of rituals at the mosque before the funeral prayers are conducted. The event is expected to be attended by high-ranking government officials, including President Ebrahim Raisi, as well as senior clergy members and diplomats from around the world.
The funeral process has been closely watched by the international community, with many countries expressing their condolences to the people and government of Iran. The United States, in particular, has been a focal point of controversy, with US President Joe Biden releasing a statement describing Khamenei as a “polarizing figure” who had been responsible for “repression and violence” against his own people.
In response, Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani issued a statement denouncing the US president’s comments, accusing him of “insulting” the people of Iran. The incident highlights the complex and often contentious relationship between the US and Iran, with tensions remaining high in the wake of the ongoing negotiations over the nuclear deal.
As the funeral prayers get underway, the Iranian people are set to pay their respects to a man who had been at the forefront of the country’s politics for over three decades. While his legacy remains highly contested, his impact on Iran’s national psyche is undeniable, and his passing is seen as a significant milestone in the country’s history.