Iran has announced plans to hold a three day state funeral for its late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in United States Israeli strikes at the onset of the Middle East conflict.
Authorities said the official funeral date will be announced at a later time.
Khamenei, who led the Islamic Republic for almost 37 years, was reportedly killed at his residence in central Tehran on February 28, the first day of the war. A state funeral initially scheduled for March 4 was postponed due to the ongoing conflict.
Speaking on Tuesday, Tehran Deputy Mayor Mohammad Amin Tavakolizadeh said arrangements were underway for a nationwide period of mourning and funeral ceremonies.
“A three day public funeral is planned,” Tavakolizadeh said in comments carried by state television.
Although he did not provide a specific date, he indicated that the ceremonies could take place during the early days of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, which falls in mid June.
According to him, funeral activities will be held in Tehran as well as the holy cities of Qom and Mashhad, where the late leader is expected to be laid to rest.
Tavakolizadeh disclosed that events in the capital would last for at least 24 hours, adding that authorities are anticipating a massive turnout.
“In Tehran, the ceremony will last at least 24 hours,” he said, noting that as many as 20 million people are expected to participate in the funeral rites.
