Tehran Hosts Historic Gathering for Former Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s Commemorative Ceremony

The commemorative ceremony for the late Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the former leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, commenced at Tehran’s Mosalla with the participation of numerous foreign political officials, diplomatic representatives, and commanders of Iran-aligned military groups. Organizers have declared that this event is one of the largest diplomatic gatherings in Iran in recent years…

Simultaneous Presence of Taliban Representatives and Afghan Opposition Figures in Tehran

According to statistics released by the organizers, at least eight heads of state, twelve parliamentary leaders, and dozens of official delegates, including foreign ministers and ambassadors, attended the ceremony. Notably, representatives from rival and opposing political factions in Afghanistan were present in Tehran. Reports indicate that Ahmad Massoud (leader of the National Resistance Front), Mohammad Mohiq (a political figure), a delegation of Shia scholars from Kabul, members of the Fatemiyoun military group, and an official delegation representing the Taliban government were all in attendance at the same time.

Diplomatic Restrictions and Presence of Iran-backed Groups

Officials from the ceremony organizing committee confirmed that NATO member countries and Western governments, which have supported Israel in recent regional tensions, were not invited to the event. Conversely, senior commanders and representatives of Iran-backed armed and political groups from Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria, alongside religious figures from Pakistan and several Arab countries, attended the ceremony held at Tehran’s Mosalla.

Funeral Procession Plans in Iran and Iraq

According to the announced schedule, the public funeral will begin tomorrow in Tehran, after which the body will be transferred to Qom. Iranian domestic media reports that, following requests from certain religious communities in Iraq, the remains of Ayatollah Khamenei will also be taken to the cities of Najaf and Karbala for burial. Ultimately, the burial ceremony will take place in the city of Mashhad. Iranian state media anticipate a significant turnout of attendees, particularly with the arrival of foreign pilgrims. Projections suggest that, given the influx of people, this could become the largest funeral procession in history.