Emotional Farewell to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Ghalibaf and Araghchi Weep at Funeral

Tehran: Millions of people took to the streets in Iran's capital, Tehran, to bid farewell to former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The funeral programme started with state honours, along with top leaders of the country, delegations from many countries also participated. Many emotional moments were seen during the tribute. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi became emotional while paying tribute.

What security arrangements were made in Tehran?

In view of the final farewell ceremony, tight security arrangements have been made in Tehran. Additional security forces have been deployed in many parts of the city. The administration appealed to the people to reach the venue on time. The entry of common people for last darshan in Grand Mosalla was started from morning itself, where a large number of people came to pay homage.

Who paid tribute from India?

From the Indian side, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lieutenant General (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain attended the funeral ceremony. The Iranian Embassy in India also shared the information and said that the Indian delegation paid tribute to the late leader.

Hon’ble @GovernorBihar and I represented India at the funeral ceremony for Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, former Supreme Leader of Iran, in Tehran.

Conveyed our respects on behalf of the Government and the people of India.@PMOIndia@MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/cK4bYZ6Lot

Which foreign leaders attended the ceremony?

Leaders of many countries including Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief General Asim Munir, Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon, senior representatives of Turkmenistan and Iraq were present at the tribute ceremony. From the Russian side, Security Council Vice President Dmitry Medvedev also attended the ceremony.

Representatives of how many countries participated?

According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, representatives of about 100 countries, religious leaders and public figures are expected to attend the condolence ceremony. Many countries have sent their president, prime minister, parliament speaker, foreign minister or special envoy to Iran. However, European countries that had openly supported the US and Israel during the recent war were not invited.

🛬 On July 3, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council @MedvedevRussiaE arrived in Tehran to attend the farewell ceremony for Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.#RussiaIran pic.twitter.com/jZwflIhZ4S

What is the funeral schedule?

Iran has scheduled Khamenei's funeral for several days. After the final rites in Tehran, the funeral procession will pass through Qom and some of the holy sites of Iraq. After this, he will be buried in his hometown Mashhad on 9th July. Officials estimate that lakhs of people will attend the final farewell event.