Tehran, July 2 - Iran plans the largest state funeral in its modern history, with multi-day mourning events to be held in several major cities, state media said on Sunday. Ceremonies are due to begin in Tehran on July 4, proceed through the holy city of Qom, and conclude with a burial in Mashhad on July 9, the day of the religious observance of Ashura.

Emerging reports say officials are making extensive security arrangements as thousands of mourners, foreign dignitaries and political representatives are expected to attend the ceremonies. The event is expected to be attended by delegations from more than 30 countries which shows the importance of the event at the regional and international levels.

The funeral is being held at a particularly sensitive time for Iran, with the country's security landscape dominated by ongoing geopolitical tensions and fragile ceasefire efforts. There are also reports of increased security around senior figures of Iran’s leadership, underscoring the government’s concern with stability during the mourning period.

 Analysts say the meeting could be a forum for regional dialogue but also a signal of Iran’s path in an important leadership transition.

The ceremonies are likely to attract global attention, not only because of their size but also because of the possible impact they may have on Middle Eastern politics in the days to come as the world watches events unfold.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)