Iran begins mourning ceremony for slain Hamas political bureau chief

A somber mourning ceremony for the slain chief of the political bureau of the Palestinian Hamas movement, Ismail Haniyeh, is underway in the Iranian capital, Tehran.

According to Report, which cites TASS, the ceremony, held at the University of Tehran, is being broadcast live by the IRIB television channel.

Speaker of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis), Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, delivered the opening speech, reminding attendees of the Truthful Promise operation on April 13, when Iran launched a massive strike on Israeli territory using rockets and drones. Ghalibaf assured that Iran's duty is to "respond at the right time and place" even now.

The main part of the ceremony commenced with a prayer led by Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, over Haniyeh's body.

Large-scale processions are also expected in Tehran to mark Haniyeh's death. As a result, road traffic restrictions were imposed in the Iranian capital as early as 4:00 am local time.

Iran has declared a three-day mourning period for the slain Hamas leader.