Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have sent condolences to Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian as Tehran holds a state funeral for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The message was conveyed by Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji, who attended the ceremony, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said early Saturday.
Funeral Details and Assassination Context
The funeral of Khamenei, who was assassinated by Israel on Feb. 28, is expected to last several days. His flag-draped coffin was placed at Tehran's Grand Mosalla alongside family members who were also killed in the attack. State television showed people rallying at night in various Iranian cities, chanting slogans in support of the country's theocracy and against America and Israel.
Massive Public Turnout Expected
The government expects millions to flood the streets of the capital beginning Saturday, in scenes reminiscent of the burial of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989. According to reports, the funeral proceedings include processions and public mourning across the country.
Diplomatic Gesture Amid Tensions
The Saudi condolences mark a diplomatic gesture amid ongoing regional tensions. The Saudi Foreign Ministry confirmed that Elkhereiji personally delivered the message to Pezeshkian during the funeral events.
