Mashhad, Jul 10 (V7N)- Iran has laid to rest its former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the Imam Reza Shrine in his hometown of Mashhad, bringing to a close days of nationwide mourning following his death.
According to Reuters, Khamenei was buried with state honors on Thursday after funeral ceremonies held across several Iranian cities over six consecutive days. Four members of his family were also buried alongside him.
Thousands of mourners lined the streets of Mashhad as Khamenei's coffin was transported to the Imam Reza Shrine, one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam. Many attendees carried Iranian flags, portraits of the late leader and banners bearing revolutionary slogans.
Khamenei served as Iran's Supreme Leader for decades, playing a central role in the country's political, religious and foreign policy affairs. Supporters regarded him as a symbol of resistance and continuity, while critics viewed his leadership as highly controversial.
According to the report, Khamenei was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli military attack. His coffin was first displayed publicly on July 2, allowing foreign dignitaries and members of the public to pay their respects before funeral ceremonies continued in Tehran, Qom, Najaf and Karbala ahead of his burial in Mashhad.
Meanwhile, Mojtaba Khamenei was named Iran's new Supreme Leader by the country's religious leadership council approximately one week after his father's death, according to Iranian authorities.
However, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since the conflict began. Although a written statement has been released in his name, no photographs or video footage have been made public. Iranian officials have not provided an official explanation for his absence, while media reports citing unnamed senior sources claim he is recovering from injuries sustained during the attack and is being kept out of public view due to security concerns. These claims have not been independently verified.
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