Mohammad Amin Tavakkoli-Zadeh, Tehran's deputy mayor for social and cultural affairs, said on Tuesday at the 52nd Meeting of the Cultural and Social Commission of Iran’s Major Cities that, in accordance with the Imam Martyr’s will and the recommendations of those close to him, he will be laid to rest at the holy shrine of Imam Reza (PBUH), where he will find his final resting place.

He added that Mashhad holds a unique significance, as the eastern region of the country is expected to receive the largest number of visitors from neighboring countries. “We will likely host our dear brothers and sisters from Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh, and the people of Kashmir in Mashhad,” he said.

The official added, “The funeral procession for the Martyred Leader will be unlike any other. We are bidding farewell to the world’s foremost leader in the struggle against global arrogance, the foremost commander in the fight against the US and Israel, a distinguished source of emulation, and the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.”

He noted, “We will witness the largest gathering of Shiites, and indeed a gathering extending beyond the Shiite community to Muslims more broadly. Even now, requests to participate in these funeral ceremonies continue to arrive from various movements and groups.”

Tavakkoli-Zadeh emphasized that the head of Iraq’s judiciary had stated that during the first 40 days following the martyrdom of His Eminence, no Shiite marriages were officially registered in Iraq, while symbolic funeral ceremonies were held for His Eminence in cities across the country.

“This demonstrates that we will be facing an atmosphere surrounding the funeral of His Eminence that we have never experienced before. We are witnessing the same sentiment in Kashmir, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Yemen, and many other parts of the Islamic world,” he said.