Iran Prepares Historic Funeral Ceremony for Ayatollah Khamenei

Large portraits of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have been displayed across Tehran’s Grand Mosque as preparations intensify for the high-profile funeral ceremony of the Iranian supreme leader, who was martyred in US-Israeli airstrikes. The funeral, which was postponed during the peak of the recent Middle East conflict, is now scheduled to take place amid a delicate ceasefire between Iran and the United States after both sides reached an initial agreement aimed at ending hostilities. Khamenei, regarded as a deeply influential religious leader among Shia Muslims, was martyred at the age of 86 at his residence in central Tehran on February 28, during the opening day of the war. His public funeral ceremony is set for Saturday, when his body will lie in state at the massive Grand Mosalla complex in Tehran, a venue commonly used for major Friday prayers, state ceremonies, and significant religious events. The remains of several family members who were also martyred in the attacks will be presented during the funeral proceedings as part of the public ceremony. Qatar confirms US envoys in Doha, rules out direct talks with Iran