At the entrance to Tehran’s Grand Mosque, where Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s body is set to lie in state starting on Saturday, workers are busily setting up for the late supreme leader’s grand funeral. Security forces are heightened as preparations continue under a scorching heatwave.
Dozens of personnel have been stationed at the main entrance, meticulously checking each vehicle entering the premises, which remains closed to the public despite some curious bystanders observing from outside the complex. Inside, the walls are adorned with portraits of Khamenei alongside black mourning flags and red ones symbolizing martyrdom and vengeance.
One worker, Hossein Moghadassi, who has been actively involved in site preparations for days, explained that they are “planting flowers and watering shrubs for the farewell ceremony.” As temperatures soar, numerous trucks transport hundreds of water boxes to ensure the area remains hydrated as it is anticipated that the mercury will surpass 35º Celsius on Saturday, marking the first day of six days of national mourning.
Authorities anticipate that approximately 15 to 20 million people in Tehran alone will attend Khamenei’s funeral. The Grand Mosque’s entrance gates are set to open at 6 am (02:30 GMT) on Saturday. Within the complex, emergency vehicles including dozens of ambulances have been parked for the funeral.
Black banners bearing various quotes attributed to Khamenei and an image with a raised fist — representing resistance against Western influence — are prominently displayed throughout the site. Other banners read: “We mourn but stand firm.” The main building, serving as both a mosque and memorial space, will house the remains of the late supreme leader.
Source: Original report
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