Iran expects officials from over 100 states at Khamenei funeral

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran expects senior officials and official delegations from approximately 100 countries to attend the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. on Friday and run through midday with the participation of officials and the public, according to Baghaei's remarks to Iranian television. Beginning at 1:30 p.m., Iran will host foreign senior officials and political figures attending the ceremony, Baghaei said. The country is preparing to receive delegations led by heads of state, heads of government, parliament speakers, foreign ministers and special envoys, alongside a large number of official and public representatives, the spokesman added. In a separate development, former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a member of the Expediency Discernment Council, issued a brief message of condolence for Khamenei's funeral, ending months of media silence. In the message, Ahmadinejad extended his condolences to the Leadership of the Revolution and the Iranian people. Ahmadinejad described himself as "a small servant of the Iranian people" and expressed wishes of strength and prosperity for the nation. No further details on the funeral arrangements were immediately available.