Thousands Bid Farewell to Khamenei in Iran's Holy City; Casket to Move to Iraq for Further Ceremonies

Key News on Iran-US War

(CNA Tehran, July 7, Combined News Agencies) - Funeral ceremonies for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei concluded today in the Iranian holy city of Qom and will continue in neighboring Iraq, according to Iranian media.

Agence France-Presse reported that Iranian authorities hope to demonstrate national strength and unity through this event, six months after suppressing anti-government demonstrations. Following a large-scale funeral procession in the capital, Tehran, yesterday, thousands of citizens paid their respects to the late leader in Qom today.

Crowds at the scene held red flags and placards, cursing U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Khamenei and four of his relatives died in U.S. airstrikes on Iran, in conjunction with Israel, when the Middle East war broke out at the end of February. His body is expected to be transported to Iraq tonight.

A funeral procession is expected tomorrow, escorting the casket through the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.

Iraqi authorities have announced that a large number of security personnel will be deployed during the funeral.

Khamenei, who ruled Iran for over 30 years and was 86 years old, will be buried on the 9th in his hometown, the holy city of Mashhad in northeastern Iran. (Compiled by Yang Zhaoyan) 1150708

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