Ayatollah Khamenei Funeral: Iran on Friday began seven days of funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. Delegations from countries including India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and China, along with other regional and international representatives have arrived in Tehran to attend the ceremonies. However, the ceremony has drawn attention for participation of groups linked to Iran’s regional network, often referred to as the Axis of Resistance despite regional pressure and conflict.
Burial On July 9
According to Iranian media reports, the funeral ceremonies are taking place at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, which will continue till Khamenei’s burial in Mashhad on July 9. Iranian state media showed images of foreign delegations paying respects. High-profile Indian dignitaries, including People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti and Congress leader Salman Khurshid also paid tribute to the late Supreme Leader of Iran.
Axis of Resistance Attends The Ceremony
A Houthi delegation from Yemen attended the funeral, including masked members believed to be associated with military and security units. Videos from the ceremony also showed a delegation from Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), led by Falih Al-Fayyadh attending the ceremony. Among the other attendees was Hadi Al-Amiri, leader of the Badr Organisation, a powerful Iraq-based political and armed group with long-standing ties to Iran.
Hezbollah-Linked Delegation Arrives
A separate delegation reportedly included members of the families of Hezbollah figures Hassan Nasrallah and Imad Mughniyeh, who attended to pay respects. According to reports, the family of former Hezbollah chief Nasrallah, who was reportedly killed in an Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) strike, appeared visibly emotional during the ceremony.
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IRGC Commander Reappears
Meanwhile, IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi also appeared in public for the first time since the US-Israeli war on Iran began in February. According to Al Jazeera, Vahidi was captured standing near the coffin of Khamenei ahead of funeral processions. Vahidi had assumed command after his two predecessors; Hossein Salami and Mohammad Pakpour were killed in separate attacks.
Why Was The Funeral Delayed?
Khamenei’s funeral is taking place approximately 125 days after his death. Iran on Friday officially unveiled the coffin, stating that his remains were kept in cold storage since the US and Israeli strikes in February. The burial was reportedly delayed due to the ongoing conflict and volatile security situation following weeks of fighting. Officials clarified that the body was preserved in accordance with Islamic practices, which generally discourage chemical embalming.
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