TEHRAN, Iran – Iran has begun state funeral ceremonies for the late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, with authorities expecting almost 20 million mourners to participate in what is anticipated to be one of the largest funeral gatherings in modern history. The week-long ceremonies commenced in Tehran on Saturday and will conclude with his burial in the holy city of Mashhad on July 9.
Hundreds of thousands of mourners filled Tehran’s Grand Mosalla prayer complex on the opening day, while millions more are expected to join funeral processions across Tehran, Qom, Mashhad, and the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala over the coming days. Iranian authorities say the nationwide ceremonies are intended to honor the late leader’s 37 years at the helm of the Islamic Republic and to demonstrate national unity.
The funeral has drawn world leaders, senior government officials, religious scholars, and foreign delegations from dozens of countries. Representatives from more than 100 nations have been invited, with officials and delegations from countries including China, India, Russia, Pakistan and several Middle Eastern, African and Asian states attending or expected to participate in the ceremonies.
Khamenei was killed earlier this year during the early stages of the conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel. His death marked a turning point in Iran’s modern history and the funeral is widely seen as both a religious commemoration and a major political event. As millions continue to gather, Iranian leaders are using the ceremonies to project resilience and reinforce the country’s message of unity in the wake of the conflict.
