Secret Report Sparks Panic in Iran: Over 3,000 Deaths Feared in Khamenei’s Funeral Stampede Risk

Tehran: A journalist in Tehran got a secret letter. It was from Iran's National Crisis Management and Red Crescent. The letter was sent to the First Vice President Mohammad Reza Arif, which warns of 1,500 to 3,000 deaths at Ayatollah Khamenei's funeral. The government is already preparing for the worst. Khamenei's funeral started on Saturday, but something shocking came out.

Why are they digging mass graves?

Tehran's largest cemetery, Behesht-e-Zahra, is digging thousands of new graves. According to media reports, a municipal worker confirmed that he did not want his name printed. He said, "The graves are real. Officials were told that even if 3,000 people die from the crowd and this terrible heat, do not lose control. In this heat with such a huge crowd, who knows what will happen."

Where will the funeral go?

The procession started on Saturday in Tehran. It will go to Iraq's holy cities, Najaf and Karbala. Then on Thursday it will go to Mashhad. That is where Khamenei will be buried. The government claims 20 million people will attend.

How much money are they spending?

Tehran's hardline Mayor Alireza Zakani is the in-charge of the ceremony. Over 11,000 buses are on the streets. Metro and bus rapid transit are free 24 hours a day. For Tehran alone, they budgeted 15 million euros, that is 135 crore in Indian Rupees. Qom and Mashhad gets 5 million euros each. This is becoming the most expensive state funeral in modern history.

What is Iran's history with large funerals?

Iran's history is full of blood. In 2020, when General Qasem Soleimani's funeral happened, a stampede killed at least 56 people. In which, over 200 got hurt. In 1989, Ayatollah Khomeini's funeral was in chaos. In which eight died along with hundreds of wounded. That is why Iran set up special units to handle bodies and missing persons.

What is really going on?

Inside Iran's corridors of power, there is heavy tension. Hardliners are using this funeral as a weapon. They are threatening leaders who wanted to talk to America. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf are the target. Guns are visible and speeches are being made. Some call for war against America to avenge Khamenei.

What do ordinary Iranians think?

Ordinary Iranians are very angry. Because the economy is stagnant and people are struggling. Yet the government is spending billions on a funeral to show political power. People are furious and asking why is the government opening the treasury like this when the country is already broke.