WANA (Jul 09) – The funeral procession for the late leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution and members of his family officially began minutes ago along Imam Reza Street in Mashhad, heading toward the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza.

 

Large crowds had gathered on the streets leading to the shrine since sunset on the previous day. Attendance continued to grow throughout the morning, and Imam Reza Street and the courtyards of the shrine are now filled with mourners.

 

Among those attending are people from across Iran, including many from outside Mashhad, as well as Iranians living abroad who have traveled to the city to pay their final respects.

 

Imam Reza Street has become a sea of black and red, with black symbolizing mourning for the late leader and red representing the public’s determination to avenge his blood.

 

According to previously announced plans, after the procession reaches the shrine and funeral prayers are held in the Enghelab Courtyard, the burial ceremony will take place in one of the shrine’s central porticos in the presence of a limited number of attendees.

 

Alongside the large public turnout and the extensive activities of volunteer service stations, emergency responders, including ambulance services, firefighters, traffic police, law enforcement personnel, and other public service agencies, have been deployed along Imam Reza Street since yesterday to assist pilgrims.

 

In addition to provincial officials, senior figures including Brig. Gen. Esmail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force, are attending today’s funeral.