Millions Mourn as Iran Begins Six-Day Funeral Ceremony for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Tehran, Iran: Huge crowds gathered in Tehran on Saturday as Iran officially began the funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Thousands of mourners dressed in black filled the courtyard of the Grand Mosalla Mosque, where his body has been placed for public viewing before his burial later this week.
Iranian authorities expect between 15 and 20 million people to participate in funeral events across Iran and Iraq, making it one of the largest public mourning ceremonies in the country’s history.
Khamenei’s Body Lies in State in Tehran
The late leader’s coffin is currently resting at the Grand Mosalla, allowing supporters to pay their final respects. The funeral comes more than four months after Khamenei was killed during joint U.S. and Israeli military strikes in late February, an event that significantly increased tensions across the Middle East.
Many mourners expressed deep emotions during the ceremony. Some were seen praying, crying, and chanting slogans condemning the United States while calling for justice over Khamenei’s death.
A university professor attending the ceremony told international media that he had come to fulfill what he described as a lifelong promise of loyalty to the former leader. Another mourner said those present believed they had a duty to honor Khamenei’s memory and seek justice for his killing.
Massive Security Measures Across Tehran
Authorities have introduced strict security arrangements throughout central Tehran as millions of visitors are expected over the coming days. Roads around key religious sites have been heavily restricted to manage the enormous crowds.
According to officials, Khamenei’s body will remain at the Grand Mosalla for three days alongside the remains of several family members who also lost their lives in the air strikes. Afterward, the funeral procession will continue to several important religious locations.
Funeral Procession to Continue Across Iran and Iraq
The next stage of the funeral will take place in Qom, where senior Shia religious leaders are expected to lead special prayers at the famous Jamkaran Mosque.
Following the ceremonies in Iran, Khamenei’s body will be taken to Najaf in Iraq, where a procession will be held at the revered Shrine of Imam Ali. The journey will then continue to Karbala before returning to Iran.
The final burial is scheduled for Thursday at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, Khamenei’s hometown and one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Shia Muslims.
Forty Days of National Commemorations Planned
Iranian officials have announced that remembrance ceremonies will continue for 40 days after the burial. Additional memorial events are expected throughout the country and will continue until the first anniversary of Khamenei’s death.
Political Attention on Iran’s New Leadership
Following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death, leadership passed to his son, Mojtaba Khamenei. However, he has not appeared publicly since assuming the position, leading to widespread speculation about his condition and whether he will attend the funeral ceremonies.
Trump’s Comments Draw Attention
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump recently stated that Iran was interested in reaching a peace agreement following the conflict. Referring to the funeral period, he remarked that the United States had given Iran “a week off for a funeral,” a statement that quickly attracted international attention.
As millions continue to gather in Tehran and other cities, the funeral has become not only a religious event but also a moment of major political significance for Iran and the wider Middle East.
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Large crowds gather in Tehran on first day of Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral
