Millions Expected at Khamenei's Funeral Ceremonies

Funeral ceremonies for Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will commence on Saturday, with expectations of 15 to 20 million participants in Tehran alone over three days. The ceremonies are designed to demonstrate the strength of the Islamic Republic, following Khamenei's death at age 86.

The first day will coincide with the anniversary of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is anticipated to succeed him, although he has not yet appeared publicly since his father's death.

The ceremonies will include a lying-in-state period until Monday, followed by a procession to Qom and burial in Mashhad on Thursday. Key Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Ahmad Vahidi, Chief of the Revolutionary Guard, will pay their respects.

Security measures are heightened due to the potential for crowd crushes, with temperatures expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius. Notable international attendees include Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russian officials.