For the first time since the beginning of the conflict with the United States and Israel, Ahmad Vahidi, the acting chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has appeared in public. Qatar-based news outlet Al Jazeera reported this information.
According to Al Jazeera reporter Ali Hashem, extensive preparations are underway in the capital Tehran for the farewell ceremony of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Top political and military officials from the country are attending this state-sponsored event.
On Thursday (July 2) evening, Khamenei’s coffin was brought to the event venue adjacent to the Imam Khomeini Hussainia Mosque in South Tehran. Acting IRGC Chief Ahmad Vahidi, along with other high-ranking Iranian officials, paid their last respects to Khamenei there.
It is noteworthy that following Khamenei’s death in a joint air strike by the United States and Israel, arrangements for his state funeral are ongoing across the country amidst high security.