Tehran — The body of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has arrived at the Grand Mosalla Mosque in Tehran, where thousands of mourners have gathered ahead of a series of state funeral ceremonies.
Iranian authorities expect up to 20 million people to take part in the funeral, which would make it the largest public farewell in the country's history. Following ceremonies in the capital, Khamenei is set to be buried at the Imam Reza Shrine in his hometown of Mashhad.
Khamenei, who led Iran for more than 36 years, was killed along with several members of his family during U.S.-Israeli strikes that marked the beginning of the conflict on February 28. The attacks also killed a number of senior Iranian officials, significantly impacting the country's political and military leadership.
Security remains tight as officials prepare for the final stages of the funeral and burial ceremonies.
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