Iran is preparing for one of the largest state funerals in modern history as world leaders and millions of mourners gather to pay their final respects to slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Nearly 50 official delegations representing more than 100 countries have arrived in Tehran ahead of the funeral ceremonies, reflecting the international significance of the event.
Pakistan's delegation is being led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while senior representatives from Turkey, Qatar, Russia, China, and several other countries are also attending.
Among the high-profile dignitaries are Russia's Dmitry Medvedev, Turkey's First Vice President, Qatar's parliamentary speaker, and China's senior lawmaker He Wei.
Iranian authorities expect between 15 and 20 million mourners to take part in the week-long funeral procession, making it one of the largest public gatherings in the country's history.
The ceremonies will begin in Tehran before continuing to the holy city of Qom, followed by Mashhad, where Khamenei is scheduled to be laid to rest at the Imam Reza Shrine.
Additional commemorative events are also planned in the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, highlighting the regional importance of the occasion.
Security has been significantly tightened across all venues as Iran prepares for massive crowds and the arrival of foreign delegations, while officials describe the funeral as a historic moment for the nation and the wider region.
