Millions gather in Tehran for funeral of Iran’s Khamenei

TEHRAN, Iran

Thousands of people poured into the streets of Tehran as Iran began an elaborate state funeral for its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with authorities expecting millions of mourners to participate in ceremonies that will continue over several days across Iran and neighboring Iraq. The funeral, one of the largest state events in the country’s modern history, marks the end of an era for the Islamic Republic while drawing the attention of governments and observers around the world.

The ceremonies began at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla prayer complex, where Khamenei’s body was placed in state, allowing officials, foreign dignitaries, military commanders, and members of the public to pay their final respects. Long lines of mourners gathered from the early hours of the morning, many carrying Iranian flags, portraits of the late leader, and religious banners. State television broadcast continuous live coverage of the proceedings, showing crowds filling major streets surrounding the capital’s central ceremonial sites.

Khamenei, who died at the age of 86 during a U.S.-Israeli airstrike in February amid the recent regional conflict, had initially been scheduled for burial shortly after his death. However, the ongoing hostilities delayed funeral arrangements until a ceasefire created conditions that allowed the government to organize a full state ceremony. Iranian officials have described the funeral as both a religious observance and a national moment of remembrance, emphasizing Khamenei’s decades-long leadership and his influence on the country’s political and religious institutions.

The funeral procession is expected to continue over the coming days, traveling through several cities that hold deep religious significance. Following ceremonies in Tehran, the procession is scheduled to move to Qom before continuing to the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. The final burial is planned in Mashhad, Khamenei’s birthplace and one of the holiest cities in Shiite Islam.

Authorities have implemented extensive security measures throughout the mourning period. Roads have been closed in central Tehran, additional police and military personnel have been deployed, and transportation services have been expanded to accommodate the anticipated influx of visitors. Government offices in some areas have adjusted operations as officials prepare for what they describe as one of the largest public gatherings in the country’s history.

Delegations from dozens of countries are attending the funeral, including representatives from Russia, China, Pakistan, Iraq, and several other regional partners. Iranian officials say more than one hundred nations were invited to participate, although most Western governments are not expected to send senior representatives. The international presence reflects the broader geopolitical significance of the event at a time when the Middle East continues to face heightened political and security tensions.

Beyond its religious importance, the funeral has become a symbol of Iran’s ongoing leadership transition. While attention increasingly turns toward the country’s future political direction and the selection of its next supreme leader, officials have portrayed the ceremonies as a demonstration of national unity and resilience following months of conflict. As millions continue to gather to honor Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the funeral represents not only a farewell to one of Iran’s most influential figures but also the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s history.

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