Iran set to bury Supreme Leader Khamenei after days of funeral ceremonies

Millions of mourners are expected to turn out for the week-long funeral ceremonies recognizing Iran’s former Allied Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. 

Khamenei helmed the Islamic Republic for 37 years before being killed in U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Feb. 28 at the beginning of the war. Khamenei is to be buried on July 9 following days of ceremonies.

Khamenei’s funeral comes five months after his death and is expected to draw massive crowds of Shiite Muslims across Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and Pakistan. 

During the funeral of Iran’s first Ayatollah, Ruhollah Khomeini, eight people were trampled to death amid large crowds, per the New York Times.

In a sepearate ceremony commemorating Qassem Soleimani, a general in the Revolutionary Guards, more than 24 people were killed in a stampede, per the outlet.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian is urging the public to come forward to honor Khamenei as they lay him to rest as a beloved “loyal........

© The Hill