According to reports from Iran’s state-run English-language news channel Press TV, on the local date of July 2, the coffin containing the remains of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, arrived at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah in Tehran. A solemn farewell ceremony was held there, attended by the Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, General Hossein Salami.
General Salami at the farewell ceremony. Photo source: Press TV
Khamenei lost his life in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28. As reported by Reuters, Islamic teachings mandate that the deceased be buried as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 hours, though exceptions are permitted, such as during times of war.
According to the official schedule released by Iranian authorities, the funeral will officially commence on July 3. It is expected that foreign officials and religious leaders from dozens of countries will attend. He Wei, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, will represent the Chinese side. The schedule includes: a farewell ceremony in Tehran on July 4 and 5; a funeral procession in Tehran on July 6; another ceremony in Qom on July 7; and a final ceremony in Mashhad on July 9, where the body will be laid to rest at the Imam Reza Holy Shrine.
A view of the farewell ceremony. Photo source: Press TV
