Iran begins funeral ceremonies for martyred Leader

Iran has begun the first stage of funeral ceremonies for the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, with foreign dignitaries and religious figures paying their respects at Tehran's Grand Mosalla.

The Leader's body, along with those of his companions, was transferred to Tehran's Grand Mosalla early Friday and placed in the main prayer hall ahead of a two-day public farewell ceremony.

Religious scholars and cultural figures from Indonesia and Afghanistan were among the first foreign guests to pay tribute. Representatives of Iran's recognized religious minorities also attended the ceremony to honor the late Leader.

Senior officials and representatives from more than 30 countries, including Russia, China, Pakistan, India, Georgia and Cuba, have arrived in Iran to attend the funeral ceremonies following the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike during the opening day of the recent 40-day war.

The public farewell, beginning Friday, follows a private ceremony held Thursday evening. Families of those killed in the recent war and relatives of staff members from the Leader's office gathered to bid farewell to the late Leader.