Khamenei’s funeral postponed by 8 hours, Mashhad rail connection affected by US attack

New Delhi: Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was to be buried on Thursday. But due to the huge crowd and the American attack, his cremation process was postponed for 8 hours. According to Iranian officials, the main reason for the delay was the crowd gathered during the procession in Iraq. The IRGC alleged that the US tried to hinder the final farewell by targeting the roads leading to Mashhad.

Coffin going from Iraq to Mashhad   

Khamenei’s coffin is being taken from Najaf in Iraq to Mashhad in Iran. According to Iranian news agency ‘Meher’, this is the last stage of his 6-day long funeral procession. During this period, Namaz-e-Janaza was also offered in holy cities like Najaf and Karbala.

Mohammad Mohammadi Golpaygani, the head of Khamenei’s office, said the late leader had expressed his wish to be buried in Mashhad near the shrine of Imam Reza. For this reason the coffin is being taken to Mashhad.

Rail connection broken due to US attack   

IRGC issued a statement saying that America targeted many areas of southern Iran along with two important bridges leading to Mashhad in the eastern part. The IRGC alleges that the attack was aimed at disrupting funeral ceremonies.

According to Iranian media, the attack took place in the early morning on the Aak Tekeh Khan Railway Bridge located in Golestan province. ‘Meher’ report said that a projectile fell on the bridge after which the rescue team immediately arrived. The IRGC’s Naynawa Corps unit claimed that the bridge was targeted by an American cruise missile.

After the attack, two explosions were heard. The railway line connecting Tehran and Mashhad has been damaged. However, officials said that no changes have been made in the route and schedule. At present there is no news of any casualty.

delay due to crowd  

Officials said that a huge crowd had gathered during the procession in Iraq. Millions of people came out on the streets to bid farewell to Khamenei. For this reason the coffin could not be delivered to Mashhad on time and the burial was delayed by 8 hours. Due to security reasons, strict monitoring is being maintained on the entire route.

Security has also been increased around the shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad. This is considered to be the biggest state funeral in Iran after the death of Khamenei. This attack, which took place amidst tension between America and Iran, has made the situation more sensitive.