Ghalibaf Calls for Massive Turnout
Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Thursday called for a massive turnout at Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's funeral to avenge his death in US-Israeli strikes at the start of the war. Ghalibaf, who is also Iran's parliament speaker, said: 'I invite all the Iranian people... to write a glorious page in the history of Islamic Iran through your presence' at the funeral ceremonies starting Saturday. 'The nation's call for vengeance must ring in the ears of the whole world,' he added in a statement.
Funeral Details and Public Holiday
Khamenei's funeral, initially delayed at the height of the Middle East war, will take place as Iran and the United States observe a fragile ceasefire after signing a preliminary deal to halt the conflict. Khamenei, a spiritual figure for many Shias, was killed at the age of 86 at his compound in central Tehran on February 28, the first day of the war. His public funeral will begin on Saturday, with his body lying in state at the Grand Mosalla complex in central Tehran. The bodies of his slain relatives will also be presented.
Expected Attendance and Security Measures
The ceremonies are expected to draw between 15 and 20 million mourners, according to officials, which would make it the biggest state funeral in the country's history. 'Iran... is preparing to experience one of the most significant moments in its history,' Ghalibaf said. Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad will observe public holidays while the events are underway. Authorities have ordered public and private offices in Tehran to close from Saturday through Monday, with traffic restrictions making much of the city centre inaccessible to private vehicles. The airspace over Tehran will be partially closed from Friday and fully closed on Monday.
