Iran has begun the state funeral ceremonies for its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with emotional scenes unfolding at Tehran's Grand Mosalla, where mourners, senior clerics, government officials and foreign dignitaries gathered to pay their final respects.

Iran is reportedly preparing to carry out its first execution linked to the ongoing anti-regime protests, raising fears of a wider campaign of secret mass hangings. Human rights groups say 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, arrested during demonstrations near Tehran, has been sentenced to death on charges of “waging war against God,” a capital offense under Iranian law. Activists claim he was denied a fair trial and access to legal representation.