The Khamenei funeral procession began in Tehran on Monday as thousands of mourners filled the streets to honour Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. State television showed large crowds as officials prepared for one of the country’s biggest funeral events in decades.
Iranian leaders are using the ceremonies to show strength after five weeks of conflict with the United States and Israel. Attention also remains on Khamenei’s successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared in public since taking over.
After two days of lying in state at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla, Khamenei’s coffin moved through the capital with thousands of supporters following the procession. State broadcaster IRIB reported that security remained tight throughout the event.
During the Khamenei funeral procession, mourners gathered at Imam Hussein Square and displayed anti-US messages, including an effigy of US President Donald Trump. Authorities also put in place strict crowd-control measures to prevent a repeat of the deadly stampede that happened during Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s funeral in 1989.
Officials built concrete barriers to separate the public from the coffin and reduce the risk of overcrowding. Security teams also limited public access to parts of the procession.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, praised the large turnout and described it as a sign of national unity. The government hopes the funeral will show the country’s resilience after weeks of war.
The funeral events will continue in Qom on Tuesday and later move to the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. Khamenei will be buried in his hometown of Mashhad on Thursday.
Three of Khamenei’s sons attended the funeral, but Mojtaba Khamenei remained absent. Officials said he suffered injuries during the Israeli airstrikes, but they have not revealed his condition.
Senior military figures, including Revolutionary Guards commander Ahmad Vahidi and Quds Force chief Esmail Qaani, also attended the ceremonies. However, former Iranian presidents were absent from the events.
Iranian authorities also hope the large crowds will strengthen public support after months of political tension. Many mourners called for revenge against those responsible for Khamenei’s death, while leaders repeated warnings that Iran would respond if fighting resumes.
