BRThe official funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's late supreme leader, began on Saturday, marking three days of mourning followed by six days of celebrations. Thousands of mourners gathered at the Grand Mosalla complex in Tehran, waving red flags—a symbol of revenge—while waiting for the arrival of his coffin. Originally scheduled for early March, the funeral was postponed due to the Middle East war triggered by a U.S.-Israel attack that killed Khamenei on February 28. His body will remain in state until Monday before being taken to Qom, a sacred city for Shia Muslims. A funeral procession is expected to pass through Iraq, including the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, before he is buried in his hometown of Mashhad on Thursday. Security measures have been heightened, with airspace closures and city shutdowns planned. The event aims to reinforce national unity among various groups. Khamenei's death, which also claimed several family members, has prompted nationwide mobilization. Authorities announced the ceremonies after a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the U.S. took effect. Representatives from Pakistan, Russia, China, Afghanistan, India, and Lebanon’s Hezbollah were in出席
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of the funeral proceedings, the reasons for the delay, and the geopolitical implications without overtly favoring any side. It includes details about security measures, international participation, and the symbolic significance of the event but does not exhibit
