Live: Massive turnout expected for funeral procession of former Iranian leader Khamenei

As Iran readies itself to lay Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to rest, here is a closer look at which global leaders and dignitaries have travelled to Tehran to be present at the former Supreme Leader's burial.

The six-day cycle of funeral observances for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has got under way, drawing senior government officials and international dignitaries from around the globe to Tehran to pay their final respects.

When the U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran plunged the region into crisis, India found itself among the most economically exposed nations. Despite this vulnerability, New Delhi's policy response proved to be one of the sharpest and most effective of any country caught in the crossfire.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated yesterday that several Christian communities situated in southern Lebanon requested integration into Israel to safeguard themselves against Hezbollah fighters. The broader conflict in West Asia engulfed Lebanon on March 2, after Hezbollah launched rocket barrages at Israel to avenge the assassination of Iran's supreme leader during joint U.S. and Israeli operations. In retaliation, Israel initiated intense aerial bombardments and launched a land incursion into southern Lebanon, with Israeli forces currently holding significant portions of land adjacent to the frontier. - AFP

Loud electronic tunes and complimentary food and refreshments served across hundreds of kiosks lent a summer-carnival vibe to the vicinity of the funeral services for the late Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Sunday. Under intense heat in the heart of the capital city, volunteers distributed water and fruit juices on the second day of events commemorating Khamenei along with four family members who lost their lives in joint US-Israeli air raids on February 28. At a particular kiosk, scores of women dressed in black chadors queued up while three adolescents dished up platters of chips. No menus or price tags were visible, only the portraits of various "martyrs" of the Islamic republic. The environment was loud, blending electronic tracks with historical speeches by Khamenei and holy hymns honoring Imam Hussein, a highly respected early Shia figure. This vibrant setting was a stark departure from the quiet, mournful tone inside the adjacent Grand Mosalla religious center, where citizens paid tribute at the coffin of Khamenei. - AFP

Immense gatherings are anticipated on Monday during the final journey of the deceased Iranian leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran, as officials strive to prevent the disorder witnessed during the funeral of the previous leader. Following a two-day public viewing at the Grand Mosalla religious site in Tehran, the procession carrying Khamenei's remains will traverse the capital for 10 to 12 hours, commencing at 6:00 am (0230 GMT), according to the planning committee. Large crowds had packed the Grand Mosalla on Sunday to offer prayers for Khamenei and four of his relatives, who were assassinated on February 28 during Israeli air strikes executed with US intelligence support. Beyond burying the leader who directed the Islamic nation for over 35 years, these events offer Tehran's leadership an opportunity to project strength and stability following five weeks of military conflict involving Israel and the United States. - AFP