Iran Begins Large Funeral Ceremonies for Late Supreme Leader

Massive crowds gathered in Tehran this week as Iran began a dayslong funeral for its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The ceremonies, which are expected to last for several days, mark a significant moment for the country four months after Khamenei was killed in airstrikes launched by the United States and Israel. The event is designed to show that the Iranian government remains stable and popular despite the ongoing war.

At the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, a large prayer complex in Tehran, thousands of people waited through the night to pay their respects. By early morning, the streets surrounding the mosque were filled with mourners. According to The Guardian, as many as 10,000 people were inside the open-air mosque by 8 a.m. Men and women stood in separate areas, many wearing black to show their sadness. Some mourners beat their chests in a traditional sign of grief, while others chanted slogans against the United States and Israel.

Khamenei, who was 86 years old, had led Iran for 37 years. The funeral also honors several of his family members who died in the same attack, including his young granddaughter. A spokesperson for the funeral organizers told NPR that the ceremonies were delayed for months because of the difficult conditions of the war. The government hopes the event will send a message of strength to the world, proving that the Islamic revolutionary power that leads the country still has the support of its people.

Foreign leaders and religious officials traveled to Tehran to attend the ceremonies. NPR reports that representatives from Russia, Pakistan, Iraq, and Afghanistan were among those present. A delegation from Hamas also attended. Even Saudi Arabia, which has had a difficult relationship with Iran for many years, sent a group to participate. The presence of these international figures highlights the complex political situation in the region.

Inside the country, however, opinions remain divided. While many Iranians view the late leader as a spiritual guide, others remember his time in power differently. Khamenei oversaw the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which was responsible for the deaths of at least 7,000 people during antigovernment protests that began in late 2025, according to HRANA, an Iranian human rights organization. Some citizens expressed that the funeral brought them little comfort, fearing that the government would continue to use its power against them.

For those who support the government, the funeral is a way to express their loyalty. The Guardian noted that food stations were set up throughout the city to support the millions of people expected to participate. Some students even offered to take photos of mourners alongside pictures of the new supreme leader, who is the son of the late Ayatollah. Despite the high temperatures, the crowds remained large, with many carrying flags or posters to honor the man who led their country for decades.

Looking ahead, the funeral process is expected to continue across several cities. Following the events in Tehran, the body will be moved to other locations to allow more people to pay their respects. At the request of Iraqi officials, the body will also be taken to the cities of Karbala and Najaf in Iraq. This journey is part of a broader effort to emphasize the religious and political importance of the late leader. As the ceremonies continue, the world is watching to see how the Iranian government manages the transition of power and the public's reaction to this long period of mourning.