J&K’s former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti is stealing the limelight in Tehran as she is the only woman among the invited foreign dignitaries to attend the farewell and funeral ceremonies for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and his family, and she is seen moving around to cherish the memory of the slain leader.

Apart from India’s official delegation led by Lt Gen (Retd) Ata Hasnain, Bihar Governor and Mr. Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs, representing the government of India, opposition leaders and heads of various religious faith from India had been invited for the ceremony.

Gen Hasnain, Margherita and officials of the MEA returned after paying customary tributes to the salin leader on July 3.

However, Mehbooba Mufti, who along with Congress leader Salman Khursheed was seen at the ceremonial tribute-paying ceremony at the Tehran Prayer Grounds (Mosalla), extended her stay.

She posted a video of her visit to he house of Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and his prayer place.

She wrote on X that it "was a deeply painful & a heart rending experience to visit Husayniah Jamaran - the humble dwelling of Iran’s Supreme Leader Syed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who attained martyrdom here. The revered leader & his family’s ultimate sacrifice - 14th month old Martyr Zahra Mohammadi Golpayegani stands testament to the power of his exemplary leadership, unwavering courage & compassion. Was particularly touched to see the Imambara where he offered prayers. May Allah SWT grant him the highest place in Jannah.".

Deeply painful & a heart rending experience to visit Husayniah Jamaran - the humble dwelling of Iran’s Supreme Leader Syed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who attained martyrdom here. The revered leader & his family’s ultimate sacrifice - 14th month old Martyr Zahra Mohammadi Golpayegani… pic.twitter.com/2LuHiewzDW

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) July 4, 2026

The Supreme Leader was killed in February in the Israel-US strikes, which triggered the ongoing war. The burial was postponed because of the abnormal situation arising from the war.

The six-day ceremonies in Tehran will culminate with the burial of the dead leaders and his family in the Imam Reza Shrine in his birthplace of Mashhad on July 9.

Here is video of Gen hasnain and MoS Margritha paying tributes to the slain leader on behalf of India:

The Special Representatives of the Government of the Republic of India, Bihar Governor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain and Mr. Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs, paid tribute to the martyred Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. pic.twitter.com/bFVgxV6XSn

— Iran in India (@Iran_in_India) July 3, 2026

Iran’s officials say a record 14,000 media persons from across the world have descended in the country to cover the extensive mourning and funeral ceremonies for the supreme leader.

Interestingly, his son and successor of the slain leader Mojtaba would not attend the funeral ceremonies.

“14,000 journalists, photographers, and documentarians have registered in the media registration system to cover the ‘Mr. Martyr of Iran’ event, and final processing for the issuance of their credentials is currently underway,” Iman Attarzadeh. The spokesperson for the Farewell, Funeral, and Burial Headquarters for the Martyr leader said.

From India, the Art of Living foundation, Brahmachari Pragyachaitanya and Gautam Vig, travelled to Tehran to attend the state funeral. Besides, a Sikh, probably a leader of his community, was also present

“Moreover, senior officials from around 40 countries will attend the farewell and funeral ceremonies, alongside a public gathering of religious, political, academic, and cultural figures in Tehran,” he noted.

Attarzadeh further said that detailed and coordinated arrangements have been made for the farewell ceremony at

“From 6 am on Saturday, July 4, until the end of the ceremony, the venue will remain open 24 hours a day for mourners and will not be closed,” he explained.

He added that a variety of programs, including Quran recitation, elegy reading, poetry, and mourning rituals, have been planned.

Interestingly, the body of the Martyr Leader will be taken to Karbala and Najaf in Iraq to honour his wish that he made long ago.

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He added that on July 8, the body of the martyred Leader will be taken to the holy shrines of Imam Ali, Imam Hussei, and Abbas ibn Ali in Iraq, marking a long-awaited pilgrimage after 69 years.