TEHRAN, Iran — General Ahmad Vahidi, a key figure in Iran’s military, appeared in public after months of absence. He attended a service for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Photographs from Iranian state media displayed Vahidi at a meeting concerning Khamenei’s funeral. Later, he was seen by Khamenei’s casket at a private service in downtown Tehran.
Officials, both local and foreign, joined in paying their respects to Khamenei. The funeral, planned as a significant national event, aims to showcase the Iranian regime’s strength following an assault by the U.S. and Israel.
Images captured by The Associated Press and Getty Images revealed large crowds around Khamenei’s casket. These scenes of mourning highlight his polarizing legacy as some view him as a revered figure while others detest him.
At the Imam Khomeini Mosalla Grand Mosque, members of the IRGC, a dominant military and political force under Khamenei’s leadership, were visibly present. Massive turnouts are expected as Khamenei, who led Iran for nearly 40 years, is honored. His death contrasts with the protests in January quashed by a deadly military response.
Khamenei’s death occurred at age 86 during the Iran war on February 28. His family, including a daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild, also died during this period of U.S. and Israeli attacks. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, age 56, was named the new supreme leader in March but has remained out of the public eye, raising questions about his status.
Photos depicting Khamenei’s leadership journey are visible throughout Tehran as preparations continue for the funeral. Events include viewings and prayers at the Grand Mosalla on Saturday and Sunday, with a major procession expected to draw millions in the capital on Monday.
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