In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, a key figure in Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, General Ahmad Vahidi, has made a public appearance. This comes as Tehran prepares for the extended funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state media published images of Vahidi at a meeting discussing the arrangements for Khamenei’s funeral. He was later seen seated next to his casket during a smaller service held near Khamenei’s former residence in central Tehran.

Vahidi has played a significant role in shaping Iran’s hardline position in potential peace negotiations with the United States. He is thought to be closely aligned with Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Mojtaba remains hidden after allegedly being injured in Israeli attacks on February 28 that also resulted in his father’s death. Vahidi had not been publicly visible since February 8, prior to the outbreak of the recent conflict involving Iran.

Iranian state media broadcasted the mourning event for Khamenei at the husseiniyah in his Tehran compound. An Israeli airstrike during the initial phase of the war struck down Khamenei and several family members. Khamenei’s body was displayed in a coffin on a stage surrounded by red tulips. Decorations, including paper butterflies, adorned the ceiling above it.

Mourners dressed in black, identified by state media as families who lost relatives in wars, participated in traditional practices like throwing scarves over the coffin. Images later revealed Khamenei’s casket covered with a red flag inscribed with the words “Ya Hussein.” This Shiite message recalls the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson and symbolizes both unjust death and a desire for revenge.

On Friday morning, security personnel carefully carried Khamenei’s coffin by hand to the Grand Mosalla in Tehran. Religious figures paid their respects, passing by the coffins of Khamenei and his family, including his young granddaughter, Zahra Mohammadi Golpayegani.

Starting Saturday, Iran will host a series of funeral events for Khamenei. His remains will travel through cities in both Iran and neighboring Iraq. Authorities have planned extensive security measures, including road and airspace closures, as the nation honors Khamenei’s decades-long rule marked by strong opposition to Western influences.