Tehran/New Delhi, 04 July (H.S.): Senior Indian political leaders Salman Khurshid and Mehbooba Mufti attended the state funeral ceremony of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Friday, joining a large gathering of international dignitaries, religious leaders and senior officials from several countries.

The ceremony marked the beginning of Iran's official farewell to Khamenei, who died in Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on February 28. His body was placed in state at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, where thousands of mourners gathered to pay their last respects under heightened security arrangements.

Their visit came as representatives from several nations, including Russia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and other regional countries, also travelled to Tehran to participate in the mourning ceremonies.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, senior government officials, military commanders and religious figures led the tributes during the funeral proceedings. Authorities expect millions of mourners to participate in the week-long ceremonies, which will conclude with Khamenei's burial on Monday, July 6.

The funeral is being held at a time when the region remains tense despite a fragile ceasefire between Iran, Israel and the United States following months of military confrontation. Iranian leaders have continued diplomatic engagements with foreign delegations while reiterating their commitment to safeguarding the country's interests during the ongoing negotiations.

The funeral has emerged as one of the largest state ceremonies in Iran's recent history, drawing political leaders, diplomats and religious representatives from across the world as the country bids farewell to one of its most influential leaders after nearly four decades at the helm of the Islamic Republic.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar