Three-day funeral for Khamenei to begin on Wednesday

According to Iranian media, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint Israeli–American air strike. The funeral ceremonies will begin on Wednesday evening in Tehran and will last three days.

Representatives of the Iranian Islamic Propaganda Council said the public will be able to pay their respects to the deceased leader at the Imam Khomeini Prayer Hall. The exact date of the funeral procession will be announced by the authorities at a later stage.

Khamenei led Iran for more than three decades and was among the most influential figures in the Islamic Republic. His rule was long characterised by harsh rhetoric towards the United States and Israel.

His death comes at a time of sharp escalation in the conflict between Iran on the one hand and Israel and the United States on the other. The funeral ceremonies in Tehran are expected to draw large crowds of mourners as well as senior regime officials.

(reuters, mja)