Thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran on Saturday as the official funeral ceremonies for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei began. The large scale events are expected to continue for several days, with Iranian authorities estimating that 15 to 20 million people could participate in ceremonies across the capital. The gatherings are being presented by officials as a demonstration of national unity and resilience following Khamenei’s death.
Ali Khamenei, who led Iran from 1989 until his death at the age of 86, remained one of the country’s most influential political and religious figures for more than three decades. His funeral marks one of the largest public events in Iran in recent history, drawing attention from both domestic and international observers.
Large crowds assembled at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla, carrying red flags, which symbolize a call for vengeance in Iranian culture. Many participants chanted slogans directed against the United States, while others walked long distances to attend the ceremony and pay their final respects.
The funeral events are scheduled to continue throughout the week. After remaining in Tehran, Khamenei’s coffin will travel to the religious city of Qom, followed by visits to important Shia holy sites in Iraq, before his burial in his hometown of Mashhad. Authorities have implemented extensive security measures, including road closures and airspace restrictions, to manage the expected crowds safely.
The ceremonies are also being closely watched because of the expected public role of Mojtaba Khamenei, who was named Iran’s new Supreme Leader following his father’s death. International delegations, including senior officials from Pakistan, Russia, and representatives of regional allies, have attended memorial events to offer condolences.
Iranian leaders have used the funeral ceremonies to emphasize national solidarity while renewing strong statements against their adversaries. With high temperatures forecast in Tehran, officials have introduced additional safety measures, including water stations and cooling systems, to help protect the millions expected to attend over the coming days.
