Ali Khamenei's Funeral: Up to 20 million mourners expected; Six-day ceremony across five cities

The funeral will last six days and take place across five cities, including locations in neighboring Iraq, officials announced.

According to officials, the funeral will also be attended by senior officials and representatives from more than 30 countries, including Russia, China, Pakistan, India, Georgia, and Cuba, as well as religious leaders from 90 countries.

EPA/WAEL HAMZEH

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country led mediation efforts to end the U.S.-Israeli war, confirmed in an address to parliament earlier this month that he will attend Ali Khamenei's funeral.

Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia said the Iranian military is on high alert ahead of Khamenei's multi-day funeral and that the country's armed forces are prepared for the arrival of senior officials as well as religious and political figures from around the world.

"The army's ground, naval, and air forces have expanded their active presence beyond the country's borders to help ensure security," Akraminia told the IRNA news agency.

The Basij Asanja Organization announced that, with the participation of bakers' associations across the country, 50 million loaves of bread are being prepared for Ali Khamenei's funeral. To support the effort, 16 mobile bakeries have been deployed across Tehran and its surrounding areas.