TEHRAN: Iran began official funeral ceremonies for its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Friday as thousands of mourners, senior officials, religious leaders and foreign dignitaries gathered in Tehran to pay their final respects following his death in U.S. and Israeli airstrikes earlier this year.
Khamenei’s coffin was placed in state at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, where crowds of supporters offered prayers and mourned alongside the coffins of several family members who were also killed in the attack. Senior Iranian leaders, including President, parliament speaker and top military commanders, attended the ceremony, while delegations from Pakistan, Russia, China, Iraq and Lebanon were also present.
The funeral marks a defining moment for the Islamic Republic after the death of the leader who ruled Iran for 37 years. Authorities have launched a week-long series of funeral processions aimed at drawing millions of participants and reinforcing national unity following the war. Tight security has been imposed across Tehran, with military and police forces deployed throughout the capital, while Iran has warned the United States and Israel against any disruption during the ceremonies.
Khamenei’s body will be taken to the holy cities of Qom in Iran and Najaf and Karbala in Iraq before his burial in Mashhad on Thursday near the shrine of Imam Reza, one of Shiite Islam’s holiest sites.
Although officials have presented the funeral as a demonstration of public solidarity, analysts say Iran continues to face deep political and economic challenges. Years of sanctions, economic hardship and repeated anti-government protests have exposed growing divisions within the country despite the government’s efforts to project stability.
The ceremonies have also carried strong religious symbolism, reflecting Shiite traditions of mourning and martyrdom. Black flags have been raised across Iranian cities, while mourners have gathered in large numbers to chant, pray and commemorate Khamenei’s legacy.
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