Iran has commenced a week long state funeral for its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with thousands of mourners, senior government officials, clerics, and foreign dignitaries gathering in Tehran to pay their final respects.
Khamenei, who ruled Iran for 37 years, was reportedly killed during the opening Israeli U.S. air strikes that marked the beginning of the conflict with Iran on February 28.
His body was placed in state on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla Grand Mosque in Tehran, where mourners filed past his coffin in an emotional ceremony marked by prayers, chants, and public displays of grief.
The coffins of several members of his family, who were also reportedly killed in the attack, were displayed alongside his. Among them were his daughter, son in law, infant granddaughter, and the wife of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.
The funeral ceremonies are expected to continue throughout the week, with Khamenei’s remains scheduled to be taken to the holy cities of Qom in Iran and Najaf and Karbala in Iraq before his final burial on Thursday in Mashhad, home to the revered Imam Reza shrine.
Iranian authorities have presented the funeral as a symbol of national unity and resilience following the war.
Security has been significantly tightened across Tehran, with military personnel, police officers, and members of the Basij paramilitary force deployed across major roads and strategic locations.
Officials also warned Israel and the United States against any military action during the funeral period.
The ceremony attracted several foreign delegations, including representatives from Russia and China, as well as senior political figures from Iraq, Armenia, and Pakistan. Family members of slain Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Imad Mughniyeh were also in attendance.
The President, parliamentary leaders, cabinet members, and senior military commanders participated in Friday’s ceremonies, offering prayers beside the late leader’s coffin.
Khamenei’s death comes at a critical moment for the Islamic Republic. While the government has sought to project unity through the large scale funeral events, analysts say Iran remains deeply divided internally after years of economic hardship, international sanctions, and recurring anti government protests.
Authorities have organized extensive arrangements for the funeral, including discounted hotel accommodation, temporary shelters in schools, mosques, and sports centres, as well as expanded transportation services to accommodate the expected influx of mourners.
A major funeral procession is scheduled to take place in central Tehran on Monday before the body is transported to Qom on Tuesday.
Ceremonies will continue in the Iraqi shrine cities of Najaf and Karbala on Wednesday, ahead of Khamenei’s burial in Mashhad on Thursday.
