
Khamenei’s body flown to Iraq for funeral processions

Iranian authorities reportedly flew the body of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to Najaf, Iraq, on Tuesday night after mourners gathered in Qom for funeral services.
Iranian state television showed large crowds walking toward Jamkaran Mosque, south of Qom, where mourners gathered to honor Khamenei. Some carried banners and posters showing Khamenei and his son, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader.
Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared at the multi-day funeral ceremonies.
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency said Khamenei’s body was taken to Najaf, with processions planned Wednesday in Najaf and Karbala, two holy Shiite cities in Iraq.
His body is expected to be returned to Iran and buried Thursday at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Posted by Sophia Compton