Martyred Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei's final rites commence, his body brought to Tehran

The funeral rites of Iran's martyred Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have begun, with his coffin arriving in Tehran.
The funeral rites of Ayatollah Khamenei, who was martyred along with several family members in a US and Israeli attack on February 28, have begun today, and the coffin of the martyr's body has been taken to the Imam Mosque in the capital, Tehran.
The body of the martyred Supreme Leader has been placed at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah Center, where the coffin of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei's body has been wrapped in the red flag of the shrine of Imam Hussein.
Thousands of people are present to pay their last respects to their beloved leader, with extremely mournful scenes and a mourning atmosphere prevailing. Meanwhile, millions of Iranians, leaders, and dignitaries will attend the funeral rites and mourning ceremonies.
Extraordinary arrangements have been made in Tehran for the mourning ceremonies, with strict security arrangements in place at the Grand Mosque and other key locations, while relevant agencies are continuously updating their preparations in view of the participation of millions of people.
According to Iranian news agencies, a symbolic fist attributed to Ayatollah Khamenei has also been installed in Tehran's Revolution Square, which is part of the preparations for the funeral rites, while a mourning atmosphere prevails across the country.
In his condolence message, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the death of Ayatollah Khamenei has deeply shocked the Muslim Ummah. However, this is not the end of the red journey, but the beginning of a new chapter of unity, steadfastness, and progress.
He said that after every test, the Iranian nation emerges more united, stronger, and more hopeful, and appealed to the people to participate in the funeral rites and demonstrate national unity.
It is clear that the funeral rites of the martyred Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei will continue until July 9 in three cities. A Pakistani delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with heads of state from several countries, will attend the funeral rites and mourning ceremonies.
The martyred Ayatollah Khamenei will be laid to rest on July 9 in the enclosure of the shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad.
Field Marshal Asim Munir has arrived in Tehran to attend the funeral prayers and funeral rites of the martyred Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to details, Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran with a high-level delegation, where he will attend the funeral prayers and funeral rites of Iran's martyred Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Upon arrival in Tehran, Field Marshal Asim Munir was given a warm and dignified welcome by Iran's top military and civilian officials, including Iranian Interior Minister Skandar Momeni, who welcomed the Pakistani delegation. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was also present to welcome the dignitaries.
During his visit, Field Marshal Asim Munir will attend the funeral prayers of the martyred Supreme Leader, as well as meet with the Iranian leadership, where he will express deep sorrow and regret on behalf of the Pakistani people and the Pakistan Army over this great national tragedy.
A powerful general who heads Iran's semi-military Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) has emerged in public as Tehran prepares for the funeral rites of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday.
In images published online by Iran's state media, General Ahmad Vahidi was seen attending a meeting related to Khamenei's funeral. Later on Thursday night, he was seen sitting next to Khamenei's coffin when a brief ceremony was held near the former home of the Supreme Leader in central Tehran.
Experts say Vahidi has become a key element in shaping Iran's tough stance in potential negotiations for a lasting end to the war with the US. He is believed to be part of a small group in direct contact with Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.
Vahidi himself had not been seen in public since early February, a few weeks before the war began in Iran. In a video published by Iran's state media, a mourning ceremony was shown in Tehran at Khamenei's compound.
State media reported that Khamenei's body was placed in a coffin on stage, with red tulips in front of it. Paper butterflies hung from the ceiling. Mourners dressed in black threw scarves and other items to the crowd to touch the coffin, a common practice in Iran.
Later, state media showed images of Khamenei's coffin wrapped in a red flag, which was the flag that flew over the golden dome of the shrine of Imam Hussein in the Iraqi city of Karbala.
Iran will hold Khamenei's funeral rites starting from the weekend, and his body will be taken to cities in both Iran and neighboring Iraq. The funeral will begin at the Mosalla of Imam Khomeini in Tehran, where authorities plan to close roads and daily routines to commemorate Khamenei.
Khamenei led Iran with an iron fist for decades, defying the West.