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Tehran steps up security amid Khamenei’s farewell ceremony

According to Iran's Chief of police Ahmad-Reza Radan, over 65,000 law enforcement officers will ensure security during mourning events

TEHRAN, July 3. /TASS/. The Iranian authorities have enhanced security measures across Tehran in anticipation of a large number of pilgrims who will come to pay their respects to Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a TASS correspondent reports.

Due to the large number of people expected to attend the farewell ceremony for Khamenei, Iranian authorities have increased security measures and introduced temporary changes to the public transportation system. The capital’s metro and express bus lines will operate around the clock from Friday morning until the end of all mourning ceremonies. The metro stations closest to the religious center - Mosalla, Shahid Beheshti, and Mirzaye Shirazi - will be closed during the events to avoid overcrowding. Free shuttles to the religious center will be organized from a number of other Iranian metro stations.

Several road sections along the route of funeral processions, stretching from Damavand Street to Azadi Square, have been closed to traffic. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ and Iranian military’s soldiers have been deployed along adjacent major roads.

According to Iran's Chief of police Ahmad-Reza Radan, over 65,000 law enforcement officers will ensure security during mourning events in Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad.

To provide emergency assistance to pilgrims, the Tehran ambulance service has deployed around 1,500 medical professionals, 317 cars, 300 motorcycles, and six helicopters. Six field hospitals will be also deployed. In turn, the Iranian Red Crescent Society has mobilized at least 67,000 employees and volunteers to provide medical care to the ceremony participants and assist with their accommodation in the capital.

The farewell ceremony for the deceased Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei began in Tehran on Friday at 6:00 a.m. local time (2:30 a.m. GMT). From July 4 to July 5, the body of Ali Khamenei will lie in state at the Tehran Mosalla, the capital’s largest religious and public complex, where anyone will be able to pay their respects to the departed leader. On July 6, a mourning procession will be held along the main streets of Tehran. After that, the body will be brought to the country’s main religious center, the city of Qom, where mourning ceremonies will be held on July 7. Ali Khamenei’s funeral is scheduled to take place in his hometown, Mashhad, on July 9.

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