Iran has begun an unprecedented, week‑long funeral procession for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, months after he was killed in US‑Israeli airstrikes on 28 February. The ceremonies, described by officials as the largest public gathering in the history of the Islamic Republic, will run from 3 July to 9 July across five cities in two countries, including Iraq, and are expected to draw millions of mourners.
Khamenei, who ruled Iran for 37 years, was 86 when missile strikes hit his residential and working compound in central Tehran. His burial was initially planned for March but postponed due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US‑Israel coalition. The delay sparked speculation about how his remains were preserved, though Iranian officials insist his body was kept according to religious protocols.
Acting Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani said the capital is preparing for “the largest assembly ever seen,” estimating crowds of up to 20 million across the week. Streets have been sealed, security tightened, and major public squares converted into procession routes. The ceremonies will move through Tehran, Qom, Mashhad, Najaf and Karbala, reflecting Khamenei’s religious stature and political legacy.
The farewell began with prayers and public viewing in Tehran before the procession moved toward Iraq, where Shia clerical centres will host additional rites. The final burial is scheduled for 9 July, marking the end of a historic mourning period.
The funeral comes at a moment of geopolitical tension, with Iran still engaged in conflict and navigating succession questions. Analysts say the scale of the ceremonies is designed to project unity, reinforce the regime’s authority, and honour a leader whose tenure shaped Iran’s modern identity.