Iranian fighter jets are escorting the aircraft bearing the late Supreme Leader's coffin from Iraq to the holy city of Mashhad, the final stop of the funeral procession, according to reports. The burial is expected to take place later today.
In the latest development of the multi-day funeral for the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Iranian fighter jets are escorting the aircraft carrying his body from Iraq to the holy city of Mashhad, according to reports. The plane, which departed Najaf, Iraq, earlier Thursday, has since landed in Mashhad, as confirmed by multiple Iranian media outlets and Channel 12. The escort underscores the security measures surrounding the final leg of the procession, as the regime mobilizes forces ahead of the expected burial later today.
As The Zioneer reported in its overnight thread, the funeral began in Tehran and moved through Iraq, with stops in Najaf and Karbala. By 00:36 Jerusalem, the plane carrying Khamenei's body had arrived in Mashhad (version 10), following earlier reports of delays due to strikes on access bridges (version 4) and extended ceremonies in Iraq (version 3). Signs in the city calling for revenge and the assassination of U.S. President Donald Trump were also noted (version 7). The arrival was first reported by journalist Sapir Lipkin (version 5) and later confirmed by state media (version 8) and Channel 12 (version 9), reflecting a broadening of corroborating sources.
The Zioneer previously reported on the regime's extensive security preparations, including the mobilization of the Basij militia and a massive deployment ahead of the July 9 burial (June 13, July 3 bulletins). The burial in Mashhad, Khamenei's hometown and the site of the Imam Reza shrine, marks the culmination of a funeral that has drawn millions of mourners.
The exact timing of the interment remains unconfirmed, though Iranian media have indicated it will take place today. Details on the extent of the fighter jet escort and its duration have not been independently verified.
9 developments
- DevelopingIRGC Quds Force chief Qaani meets with Iraqi militia leader during Khamenei funeral visit
- DevelopingEsmail Qaani documented at Khamenei's funeral, N12 reports
- StrongIRGC chief Vahidi, Iranian FM Araghchi reportedly arrive at Khamenei funeral on motorcycles
- StrongRare photo shows IRGC Quds Force chief Qaani pressed against wall beside Khamenei's empty chair at Ashura ceremony
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