On February 28, the United States and Israel opened fire against Iran.
On this very first day, one of the conflict’s biggest turning points came when Iran’s longtime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was confirmed killed.
And more than four months later and due to delays, Tehran is now preparing to hold one of the largest state funerals for the late Supreme Leader following a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran.
Iranian authorities said that they will hold a six-day state funeral, which will begin on Saturday, July 4, where his coffin will be taken through several cities in Iran and neighboring Iraq.
This will be concluded on July 9 where he will be buried in his hometown.
Ahead of the official ceremony, Khamenei’s coffin was already unveiled and brought to a farewell gathering on Thursday night, where many mourners wore black.
Reports said it was brought to the site of his assassination.
Meanwhile on his X account, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called on the public to take part in the funeral, urging people from all backgrounds and political beliefs to show national unity.
At the same time, a senior Iranian military commander warned the United States and Israel against launching any new attacks during the funeral period.
“We warn the enemies of Iran, especially the U.S. and the Zionist regime, to avoid any miscalculation and to think about the harsh retaliation our armed forces would make to any threat and aggression against our country,” Ali Abdollahi, commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said.
Officials expect up to 20 million people to attend the week-long state funeral.
Meanwhile, multiple reports suggest that Iran’s current Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ali Khamenei will not attend the ceremony due to security concerns.