Iran starts weeklong mourning for Ali Khamenei

Iran has begun a week-long period of mourning and funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with the official events starting in the capital, Tehran.

According to Iranian authorities, the funeral procession will see Khamenei’s coffin transported through different parts of the country before he is laid to rest on July 9 at the Imam Reza Shrine in his hometown of Mashhad.

Meanwhile, the ceremonies are expected to draw large crowds of mourners, religious leaders, government officials and foreign dignitaries.

Khamenei, who served as Iran’s Supreme Leader for decades, was one of the country’s most influential political and religious figure, shaping Iran’s domestic policies and foreign relations throughout his tenure.