DATA & FIGURES
The funeral ceremonies are expected to attract millions of people, with 10 million people estimated to have attended the funeral of Khamenei's predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989. The Iranian government has also announced that more than 50 delegations have already paid their respects to Khamenei's family, including the presidents of Iraq, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Georgia, as well as Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
THE SCENARIO
The funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are taking place at a critical moment for Iran, which is seeking to project an image of unity and strength in the face of US and Israeli aggression. The ceremonies are also seen as an opportunity for Iran to showcase its influence and popularity in the region, with leaders from more than 50 countries attending.
DIRECT QUOTE
"Following the assassination of the supreme leader, the government did not fall but became stronger. What the US and Israel did backfired. They wanted to bring about regime change in the country, but what actually happened created a rally around the flag." — Abas Aslani, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies in Tehran
BBN INSIGHT
The funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have significant implications for the region and the world. On the positive side, the ceremonies demonstrate the resilience and unity of the Iranian people in the face of adversity. On the negative side, the ceremonies also highlight the deepening divisions between Iran and its enemies, particularly the US and Israel, which could lead to further conflict and instability in the region. For investors and businesses, the ceremonies are a reminder of the ongoing risks and uncertainties associated with doing business in Iran, particularly in the energy and finance sectors.