Iran has begun a week-long state funeral for its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with thousands of mourners gathering in Tehran for the opening ceremonies.
Senior government officials, religious leaders, members of the military and foreign dignitaries joined members of the public to pay their respects as the country commenced nationwide funeral events for the longtime leader.
Khamenei, who led the Islamic Republic for nearly four decades, was killed during the opening phase of Israeli and United States airstrikes on Iran on February 28.
Coffin placed in Tehran as mourners pay tribute
The late leader’s body was laid in state at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla Grand Mosque in Tehran on Friday, July 3.
Large crowds filed past the coffin, offering prayers and participating in ceremonies marked by chants and public expressions of mourning.
The coffins of several members of Khamenei’s family, who were also killed in the same attack, were displayed alongside his during the ceremony.
Burial schedule spans Iran and Iraq
Iranian authorities have announced that the funeral rites will continue throughout the week.
Following ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei’s remains are expected to be taken to the holy city of Qom before continuing to the Iraqi shrine cities of Najaf and Karbala.
His final burial is scheduled for Thursday in Mashhad, where he will be laid to rest near the Imam Reza shrine.
Security tightened across Tehran
Authorities have increased security across the Iranian capital as funeral events continue.
Military personnel, police officers and members of the Basij force have been deployed around key government buildings, major roads and public gathering points.
Officials also warned against any actions that could threaten security during the mourning period.
Foreign delegations attend ceremonies
Representatives from several countries attended the opening funeral events, including delegations from Russia, China, Iraq, Armenia and Pakistan.
Relatives of former Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Imad Mughniyeh were also present during Friday’s ceremonies.
Iran’s president, senior lawmakers, cabinet ministers and top military commanders joined religious leaders in offering prayers beside Khamenei’s coffin.
Funeral comes amid political uncertainty
The funeral takes place during a sensitive period for Iran following months of regional conflict and internal political challenges.
While authorities have presented the ceremonies as a demonstration of national unity, analysts say the country continues to face economic pressures, international sanctions and longstanding domestic tensions.
To accommodate the expected influx of mourners, the government has expanded public transportation services, arranged temporary accommodation in schools, mosques and sports centres, and offered discounted hotel rates.
A large public procession is expected in central Tehran before the funeral moves to other cities ahead of Thursday’s burial.
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