Iran is making final preparations for the state funeral of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Tehran`s Grand Mosalla transformed into the centrepiece of what authorities expect to be the largest funeral ceremony in the country`s history.
Workers continued preparations across the vast complex on Tuesday, installing structures, repainting facilities and tightening security ahead of Saturday`s ceremony. Giant portraits of Khamenei have been placed around the venue, while police presence has been significantly increased.
Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28 during the opening day of the regional conflict, died at the age of 86.
His funeral had been postponed while fighting continued but will now take place as Iran and the United States observe a fragile ceasefire under a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the war.
Officials expect between 15 million and 20 million mourners to attend the ceremony, where Khamenei`s body will lie in state at Tehran`s Grand Mosalla. The bodies of several family members killed during the conflict will also be honoured.
State television has advised mourners to use public transport because of anticipated crowds and traffic restrictions. Public safety messages have also urged people to stay hydrated as temperatures are forecast to rise during the funeral period.
Traffic restrictions have already begun in parts of the capital, with several major roads partially closed as preparations intensify.
A separate ceremony for foreign dignitaries is scheduled for Friday. Funeral organisers said representatives from around 30 countries are expected to attend, while visitors from neighbouring Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan are also expected to travel to Iran for the event.
Iran`s Foreign Ministry said no formal invitations had been extended to European countries, accusing them of taking what it described as the wrong position during the recent conflict.
Authorities have declared public holidays in Tehran, Qom and Mashhad during the funeral period, with government offices in the capital set to remain closed from Saturday through Monday.
Across Tehran, banners and posters commemorating Khamenei have appeared on streets and public buildings, carrying messages about Iran`s future and calling for national unity.
Following the main ceremony in Tehran, Khamenei`s body is scheduled to be taken to the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala before being buried on July 9 at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace.
Officials have not confirmed whether Khamenei`s son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, will make a public appearance during the funeral ceremonies.
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