The Mystery Behind the Tiny Coffin: Heartbreaking Sight Beside Khamenei’s Casket Moves Tehran to Tears

Tehran: The final farewell to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei began on Friday. Thousands of Iranians poured onto the streets to pay their respects to the 86-year-old leader. But it was one image that stopped everyone in their tracks. Next to Khamenei's coffin, draped in the flag of the Islamic Republic with his black turban placed on top, sat a tiny coffin. It belonged to his 14-month-old granddaughter, also killed in the same attack. The sight of that small coffin next to the leader's brought tears to the eyes of everyone present.

How he died?

Khamenei was killed on February 28 in aerial strikes carried out by the United States and Israel. His residence in central Tehran was hit. He died that day along with several relatives including the infant granddaughter. The state funeral was postponed for months due to the war. Today, July 4, the ceremonies have finally begun.

How were these massive crowds?

The gates of Tehran's Grand Mosalla opened and thousands rushed in. People carried red banners, which in Iranian symbolism represent vengeance. The crowd chanted slogans against America continuously. Officials estimate that between 1.5 and 2 crore people could attend the ceremonies in Tehran alone over the next three days. Khamenei's body was brought to Tehran on Friday and six days of public funeral proceedings have been planned, with events also scheduled in other cities in Iran and neighbouring Iraq.

Top officials also break down?

Iran's senior leadership attended the ceremony and many could not hold back their emotions. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf was visibly overwhelmed. Ahmad Vahidi, the new IRGC commander appointed after the previous chief was also killed in the same attack, was also present.

Who represented India?

India was represented at the funeral by Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita.

What happens next?

Khamenei's body will remain in Tehran until Monday. A large procession will be taken through the city before it is moved. On Tuesday the body goes to the religious city of Qom. On Wednesday it will pass through the holy cities of Iraq. On Thursday Khamenei will finally be buried in his hometown of Mashhad.