Authorities Prepare for Massive Public Gatherings Across Major Cities
Iranian authorities have announced extensive funeral and farewell arrangements for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with ceremonies scheduled in Tehran, Qom and Mashhad before his final burial in the northeastern holy city.
Officials said preparations are underway for what could become one of the largest public gatherings in the country’s history. According to estimates provided by organizers, between 15 and 20 million mourners may participate in events planned for Tehran alone.
Mohammad Amin Tavakolizadeh, Tehran’s deputy mayor for social and cultural affairs, said authorities have finalized a three-day program to allow citizens to pay their respects. The main ceremonies are expected to take place around the end of Zul Hijjah and the beginning of Muharram.
Furthermore, officials are coordinating nationwide logistical arrangements to manage the expected influx of participants traveling from different regions of Iran.
The capital will host funeral prayers and a large public procession, which organizers expect to continue for at least 24 hours. Security, transportation and public service agencies have also been placed on alert to support the events.
Burial in Mashhad Expected to Draw Regional Mourners
Following ceremonies in Tehran, officials plan to transfer the body to Qom before moving it to Mashhad for burial near the shrine of Imam Reza, one of the most significant religious sites in the Muslim world.
Authorities said the burial location was selected in accordance with the wishes of individuals close to the late leader. Consequently, large numbers of pilgrims and mourners are expected to travel to Mashhad from across Iran and neighboring countries.
Officials anticipate visitors from Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh, Kashmir and other parts of South Asia. Municipal administrations throughout the country have been instructed to assist with accommodation, transportation and crowd management efforts.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will oversee overall coordination of funeral arrangements and security operations.
Organizers also noted that symbolic mourning ceremonies have already taken place in several countries, particularly Iraq. Additional commemorative gatherings are expected across various parts of the Muslim world in the coming days.
Ayatollah Khamenei was reportedly killed in an air strike targeting his office and residence in Tehran on February 28. Since then, preparations have focused on organizing a nationwide farewell expected to attract millions of participants and international attention.
