Millions Expected as Iran Begins Funeral for Supreme Leader Khamenei

Tehran, Iran – Funeral ceremonies for Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, officially began on Saturday, drawing thousands of mourners to Tehran as authorities prepare for what is expected to be one of the country's largest public events in decades.

Iranian officials estimate that between 15 and 20 million people could participate in the funeral activities over the next three days in the capital. The ceremonies are expected to last six days in honour of Khamenei, who led Iran from 1989 until he was killed at the age of 86 during the opening day of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran on February 28, 2026.

Large crowds gathered at Tehran's Grand Mosalla religious complex carrying red banners, a symbol of vengeance, while chanting anti-US slogans and paying their final respects to the late leader.

Many mourners described Khamenei as a leader who sacrificed himself for the country. Others said they travelled long distances to bid him farewell.

Security has been significantly tightened across Tehran, with roads closed and airspace restrictions expected throughout the ceremonies. Authorities have also introduced crowd-control measures and cooling stations as temperatures are forecast to exceed 35°C.

The funeral procession will remain in Tehran until Monday before moving to Qom on Tuesday, then to holy cities in Iraq on Wednesday, and finally to Mashhad, Khamenei's hometown, where he will be buried on Thursday.

The ceremonies are also being closely watched for the possible public appearance of Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father as Iran's Supreme Leader but has not yet appeared publicly since his appointment.

Several senior Iranian officials, foreign dignitaries, and representatives of Iran's regional allies attended the opening ceremonies, including Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Russia's Dmitry Medvedev, as well as delegations from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Afghanistan's Taliban government.

Iranian leaders used the occasion to call for national unity, with senior officials pledging that the country remains prepared to respond to any future military threats despite the current pause in hostilities.

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