Shafaq News- Najaf
Najaf province, southern Iraq, is prepared to receive thebody of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Governor Youssef Kanawi statedon Wednesday, adding that authorities have developed comprehensive plans forthe funeral procession.
Speaking to Shafaq News Agency, Kanawi explained that thecity had finalized special arrangements for the ceremony, noting thatgovernment institutions, service departments, and community organizations “werefully prepared to participate in and support the event.”
He said full details of the plan would be announced beforethe funeral date, including the route of the procession, locations for funeralceremonies, and related organizational, service, and security measures.
Last week, a source close to the Iranian Embassy in Baghdadtold Shafaq News that Khamenei’s body is scheduled to arrive at NajafInternational Airport on July 8 for funeral ceremonies in the province.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to visit Baghdad on Sunday, with the trip expected to cover briefings on the Switzerland talks and preparations for the funeral processions of Khamenei.
Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani outlined proposed routes forfuneral events in Iran and clarified that the body would later be transferredto Iraq on July 8.
According to Iranian media reports citing Zakani, severallocations in Tehran are under consideration for the ceremonies, includingDamavand Street, Enghelab (Revolution) Street, Azadi (Freedom) Street, and thearea extending toward Lashgari Expressway.
Khamenei was killed in the first US-Israeli strikes onTehran on February 28 after leading Iran for more than three decades. His son, MujtabaKhamenei, succeeded him as Supreme Leader and was also injured in the strikes,with no public appearances recorded since assuming the position.
