Iran is observing a six-day period of national mourning following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who died in March during attacks by the US and Israel. Ceremonies are planned across five cities in Iran and Iraq to honor the leader who held power from 1986 to 2026 and was known for his ultraconservative views. Authorities are preparing for a potential state of emergency, anticipating between 12 to 20 million mourners will attend weekend ceremonies. Public offices will be closed for three days, traffic will be halted in city centers, and Tehran’s airspace will be completely shut down on Monday. The scale of the mourning reflects Khamenei’s long-standing influence and signals a significant moment of political transition for the Islamic Republic. AFP reports these extensive measures are being taken to manage the anticipated outpouring of grief and ensure security.