Millions Expected as Iran Prepares for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s Funeral
- Iranian authorities expect between 15 and 20 million mourners to attend Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral ceremonies.
- Tehran is making extensive security and logistical preparations for one of the largest public gatherings in its history.
- Funeral ceremonies will begin on July 4, with the burial scheduled for July 9 in Mashhad.
Iran is preparing for what could become one of the largest funeral gatherings in modern history, with officials estimating that between 15 and 20 million people may attend the funeral ceremonies of the country’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to Iranian authorities, extensive preparations are underway across Tehran to accommodate the massive number of mourners expected to participate in the ceremonies. Officials say transportation, security, medical services and crowd management plans are being expanded to handle the anticipated turnout.
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Tehran Deputy Mayor Hadi Tavakolizadeh said city authorities are preparing for as many as 20 million attendees, while other officials have estimated the number of mourners to be between 15 and 20 million. Millions of people from across Iran are expected to travel to the capital, with delegations and pilgrims also expected to arrive from several countries.
State funeral ceremonies are scheduled to begin on July 4 in Tehran, while Ayatollah Khamenei’s burial is planned for July 9 in the holy city of Mashhad, according to the announced schedule.
The anticipated turnout would rank among the largest funeral gatherings ever recorded if the estimates are realized. For comparison, the funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989 drew an estimated 10 million mourners and remains one of the biggest public funerals in history.
Iranian officials have also announced special arrangements for foreign visitors, including a temporary 10-day fee-free visa facility for Pakistani nationals intending to attend the funeral ceremonies. Applicants are still required to obtain visa approval before traveling.
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