Thousands of mourners begin filing past Khamenei's casket in Tehran

The public phase of the funeral for Ali Khamenei has transitioned into a massive logistical operation in Tehran. Following the earlier arrival of the body at prepared sites in the capital, the regime has opened the doors for a mass procession. Iranian authorities have signaled that they expect a turnout of millions, with some internal estimates suggesting up to 20 million people could attend from the Tehran area alone over the course of the week. ### International Presence and Regional Alignment The ceremonies are serving as a significant diplomatic event for the Islamic Republic. A diverse list of foreign dignitaries has arrived in Tehran to pay their respects, including heads of state and high-ranking officials from over 30 countries. Notable attendees include Russian Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The presence of these delegations, alongside representatives from the Taliban and regional proxies such as Hezbollah and the Iraqi militias, underscores the regime's effort to project continued regional influence and international legitimacy during this leadership transition. ### Domestic Context and Security The atmosphere in Tehran is characterized by heavy security and state-orchestrated mourning. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and IRGC Major General Mohsen Rezaei were reportedly seen at the remains, with state media broadcasting images of leadership in mourning. For the Iranian regime, the scale and order of the funeral are critical for demonstrating national resilience following the death of its long-standing leader. The Zioneer Intelligence Desk continues to monitor the proceedings, including the notable absence of certain figures from public view and the security measures implemented by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to maintain control over the massive crowds.