CNN Reporter Details Massive Iranian Mourning for Martyred Leader
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, CNN correspondent Frederic Pleaigen, present in Tehran to cover the funeral procession of the martyred leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, reported that “from the early hours of Saturday morning, thousands of mourners gathered at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque to bid farewell to Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several members of his family.”
The CNN correspondent stated that Tehran is preparing for one of the largest funeral ceremonies in Iran’s modern history, an event that will span several days across various cities in Iran and Iraq, anticipating the participation of millions.
Describing the atmosphere, the CNN correspondent noted that mourners, clad in black and carrying Iranian flags, portraits of the martyred leader, and white floral tributes, filled the Grand Mosque. Despite temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius, attendees paid their respects through chest-beating, lamentation, and reciting religious slogans. Misting systems were activated to mitigate the heat.
CNN, citing reporters at the scene and the Associated Press, also reported that the crowd in unison chanted “Our word is one: Revenge, revenge.” Several participants emphasized that their presence signified their commitment to the country, religion, and the ideals of the Islamic Revolution.
One mourner told CNN that they came to bid farewell to their “beloved leader” and never imagined such a day would come. Another individual, who traveled from Tabriz to Tehran, described their attendance as a declaration of readiness to defend the country and religion.
CNN also reported on the extensive deployment of security and military forces throughout Tehran. Concurrently with the ceremony, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a warning regarding potential actions by the United States and the Zionist regime, stressing that any “miscalculation” would be met with a decisive response.
According to CNN, the funeral procession is scheduled to continue until July 9 (Thursday). Following various ceremonies in Tehran, Qom, Najaf, and Karbala, the martyred leader’s body will be transferred to the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in Mashhad for interment.
