Massive Diplomatic Gathering in Tehran for Ayatollah Khamenei’s Memorial Service

The memorial service honoring the late Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the former leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, commenced at Tehran’s Mosallah with the presence of foreign political officials, diplomatic envoys, and commanders of Iran’s allied military groups. Organizers have noted that this event is one of the largest diplomatic gatherings in Iran in recent years.

Presence of Taliban Representatives and Afghan Opposition Figures in Tehran

According to the announced statistics from the organizers, at least eight heads of state, twelve parliamentary leaders, and dozens of official delegates including foreign ministers and ambassadors have participated in the event. Notably, rival and opposition political factions from Afghanistan have gathered together in Tehran. Reports indicate that prominent figures such as Ahmad Massoud (leader of the National Resistance Front), Mohammad Mohaqiq (a political figure), a delegation of Shia scholars from Kabul, representatives of the Fatemiyoun militia, and an official delegation representing the Taliban government attended the memorial simultaneously.

Diplomatic Restrictions and Attendance of Iran-Supported Groups

Organizers have confirmed that NATO member countries and Western governments, which have supported Israel in recent regional tensions, were not invited to the ceremony. In contrast, commanders and senior representatives of Iranian-backed armed and political groups from Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria, along with religious figures from Pakistan and several Arab countries, were present at the Mosallah in Tehran.

Funeral Plans in Iran and Iraq

According to the scheduled timeline, a public funeral ceremony will begin tomorrow in Tehran, after which Khamenei’s remains will be transferred to Qom. Following requests from various religious communities in Iraq, it is planned for the remains of Ayatollah Khamenei to be transported for funeral services in the cities of Najaf and Karbala as well. Ultimately, the burial will take place in Mashhad. Iranian state media predicts that, given the arrival of international mourners, this ceremony will see a substantial turnout. Observers anticipate that due to the influx of attendees, this event could become the largest funeral in history.