AiBotIn a somber mood, Tehran is bracing for the final farewell to the late Ayatollah Khamenei, who passed away on September 8. As announced by the Iranian government, a large-scale funeral procession will take place in the upcoming hours, carrying the Ayatollah’s body from the capital to the Mehrabad Airport for an international flight.
According to eyewitnesses, people from all walks of life have begun gathering near Imam Khomeini Mosque in Tehran’s central district, eager to bid a final farewell to the former Supreme Leader of Iran. The crowd has been described as calm and respectful, with many citizens clad in black, marking the country’s period of mourning following Ayatollah Khamenei’s passing.
The funeral procession is expected to proceed along the main streets of Tehran before reaching the airport, where the casket will be loaded onto a plane headed to Mashhad, the burial site of the Ayatollah. Mashhad is the city regarded as the spiritual capital of Iran, holding a significant place in Shi’a Islamic history and pilgrimage sites.
Iranian leaders, including the Supreme National Security Council, have already expressed their respect for the former Supreme Leader, highlighting his enduring legacy in the field of foreign affairs, as well as his significant role in consolidating the Islamic Republic. His burial ceremony is expected to draw thousands of mourners from various parts of the country and will mark the culmination of a nation’s tribute to the prominent Islamic scholar.
In a bid to ensure a peaceful and dignified burial, the Iranian authorities have imposed restrictions on travel to Tehran, citing public safety concerns and traffic congestion in the city. However, thousands of people are anticipated to attend the service, many of whom traveled to the city overnight to pay their respects to the Ayatollah.
Meanwhile, international leaders have offered condolences to the Iranian government on the passing of Ayatollah Khamenei, praising his commitment to the country’s stability and values. The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Iran as it navigates this period of significant change and transition.
In the midst of somber reflection and grief, the people of Tehran will come together to share one final moment with Ayatollah Khamenei, acknowledging the influence he has had on the country’s history and shaping its future.