Huge crowds gathered in Iran’s capital, Tehran, on Saturday to pay their respects to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during an elaborate state funeral. The Iranian supreme leader dominated the country for decades before his death in the U.S.-Israeli war in February.
Tens of thousands arrived at dawn at the Grand Mosalla mosque as part of a week-long public ceremony. Journalists observed mourners dressed in black, carrying images of Khamenei, waving flags, and chanting tributes.
Iran faces turbulent times, as the country has repeatedly spiraled from crisis to crisis. Earlier this year, massive antigovernment protests were harshly suppressed, followed by months of warfare with the United States and Israel. Khamenei and other Iranian leaders were killed by Israeli airstrikes on the conflict’s first day.
“While the government intended to showcase national unity, some criticisms arose, especially from religious hard-liners.”
A closed ceremony on Friday saw foreign officials, government members, and religious leaders pay their respects before Khamenei’s flag-draped casket, as reported by state media. His body will proceed from Tehran on Monday to the holy city of Qom and then to Karbala and Najaf in Iraq, all significant for Shiite Muslims. His remains will be buried in Mashhad on Thursday.
While Khamenei’s supporters mourn, many view the funeral program as lengthy and costly. Over his 37-year rule, Khamenei repressed dissent and allowed corruption to proliferate. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been named the new spiritual leader, though he has not been seen publicly since his appointment.
No public explanation has been given for the delayed burial, conflicting with religious customs. Analysts suggest security concerns amid the threat of further attacks by Israel and the United States could be a factor.
Khamenei’s leadership towered over Iran for decades, resonating beyond politics for his Shiite followers. Despite intentions to show unity, criticism emerged from hard-liners who viewed the cease-fire with the U.S. as a betrayal. Some mourners carried banners urging revenge for Khamenei’s death, according to state broadcasters.
Funeral Procession Route
The procession will begin over the weekend in Tehran and conclude in Mashhad on Thursday, traversing a path with great religious significance. The mourning started on Friday with foreign leaders visiting the Grand Mosalla.
Mr. Khamenei’s body will lie in state over the weekend, and a public holiday has been declared. On Monday, a funeral procession will travel through Tehran before embarking on a four-day journey to Mashhad. Officials expect extensive participation, including about 7,000 standing along the route.
Key Cities in the Procession
Qom: The procession will continue to Qom on Tuesday, with Mr. Khamenei’s body being carried to the Jamkaran Mosque for a mass prayer. This site holds particular significance as a central aspect of Shiite tradition.
Iraq: On Wednesday, the procession crosses into Iraq with planned ceremonies in Karbala and Najaf, important sites for Shiite pilgrims.
Mashhad: Around one million mourners are expected for the final procession in Mashhad on Thursday. Ayatollah Khamenei will be buried at the shrine of Imam Reza, joining Iran’s former president Ebrahimi Raisi, who passed in 2024.
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