Iran on Saturday began funeral ceremonies for its late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, as thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran for the first day of events expected to draw millions of people.
The six-day funeral programme is being held in honour of Khamenei, who led the Islamic Republic for more than three decades until his death at the age of 86 during the opening day of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran on February 28.
Officials said they expect between 15 and 20 million people to participate in the ceremonies in Tehran over the next three days, making it one of the largest public gatherings in the country’s history.
Crowds assembled at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla religious complex carrying red banners, a symbol associated with calls for vengeance, while chants against the United States echoed through the venue as mourners awaited the arrival of Khamenei’s coffin.
Many people travelled from different parts of the country to pay their last respects, describing the late leader as a figure they remained loyal to throughout his leadership.
Authorities tightened security across the capital, closing major roads and restricting airspace during the ceremonies. Emergency measures were also put in place to manage the expected crowds and high temperatures, with water tankers deployed to help cool participants.
According to the funeral schedule, Khamenei’s coffin will remain in Tehran until Monday before a public procession through the city. It will then be taken to the religious city of Qom on Tuesday, followed by visits to Shia holy sites in neighbouring Iraq on Wednesday. He is expected to be buried on Thursday in his hometown of Mashhad in northeastern Iran.
The funeral has also drawn international attention as observers watch for the first public appearance of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father but has remained largely out of public view since assuming the role.
Senior Iranian officials attended the opening ceremonies alongside foreign dignitaries, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Representatives of Hamas, Hezbollah and Afghanistan’s Taliban government were also present.
During memorial events, senior Iranian leaders renewed strong warnings against the United States and Israel, insisting those responsible for Khamenei’s death would face consequences. Although active fighting has paused following an initial agreement, Iranian officials said the country remains prepared to respond if hostilities resume.
