Khameni’s 14-month-old grandchild’s coffin dominates his farewell

Tehran: The funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has entered its final stages, with nationwide mourning ceremonies drawing thousands of mourners and senior officials. Alongside Khamenei's coffin, the casket of his 14-month-old granddaughter, Zahra Mohammadi Golpayegani, has attracted widespread attention, becoming a focal point of the public mourning.

Khamenei and several members of his family were killed in US and Israeli airstrikes, according to Iranian authorities. His body has been placed in state at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, where mourners have gathered to pay their respects through religious rituals and state ceremonies.

The funeral is part of a week-long programme that will conclude with Khamenei's burial in Mashhad after ceremonial stops in the Shi'ite holy cities of Qom, Najaf and Karbala. Authorities have arranged transport, accommodation and food for participants.

Khamenei's death has ended his 37-year tenure as Supreme Leader, triggering a major political transition in Iran. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has assumed the position of Supreme Leader amid reports that he was injured in the strike that killed his father, raising questions about the country's immediate leadership.

The transition comes as Iran continues to face economic difficulties caused by years of international sanctions and persistent public discontent reflected in repeated anti-government protests. While the government has projected unity through the funeral ceremonies, analysts say the leadership change takes place against a backdrop of significant political and economic challenges.

Based on the India Today report