Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian paid tribute at the remains of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, state TV reported Friday afternoon. Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa also arrived in Tehran to express solidarity, according to analyst Yair Goldblatt, a move that contrasts with claims of Lebanon seeking distance from Iran.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian paid tribute at the remains of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Friday afternoon, state TV reported, as the Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa arrived in Tehran to express solidarity, according to analyst Yair Goldblatt. The president's personal tribute and Menassa's visit mark the latest moves in a week of escalating delegations to the funeral ceremonies, which have been ongoing since late June.
The Zioneer reported on June 30 that senior officials from over 30 countries confirmed attendance at Khamenei's funeral, with a specific list including Russian, Pakistani, and Turkish envoys. That same day, we reported that Hezbollah, Amal, and Taliban representatives had joined the delegations. Earlier on Friday, families of slain Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Imad Mughniyeh were reported in Tehran to pay respects. Over the past weeks, The Zioneer has covered the Iran-Lebanon negotiations: on June 21, an Iranian delegation arrived for talks demanding an end to fighting in Lebanon; on June 23, a Lebanese delegation departed for US talks with Israel; and on June 24, US Vice President JD Vance said 'great progress' had been made on the Lebanon ceasefire.
Menassa's visit challenges the narrative that Lebanon is seeking distance from Iranian influence. As The Zioneer reported on June 24, analysts described a split within the US administration over Lebanon policy: Vice President Vance pushing a pro-Iran line, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio insists on Lebanese sovereignty. Menassa's presence in Tehran signals that official Beirut ties remain intact.
No further details on the president's tribute ceremony or Menassa's schedule have been released.
9 developments
- DevelopingIran's top three leaders attend Khamenei's funeral, N12 reports
- DevelopingArmenian PM meets Iranian president ahead of Khamenei funeral ceremonies
- StrongIRGC chief of staff says Khamenei burial site being prepared at Khomeini mausoleum
- DevelopingPakistan PM says he will attend Khamenei's funeral
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