Funeral of Iran’s Former Supreme Leader Begins with Massive Turnout

In Tehran, massive crowds gathered on Saturday to mark the start of the funeral for Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This event initiates a week of mourning intended to display the Islamic Republic’s strength and resilience. Draped in the Iranian flag and topped with his black turban, the 86-year-old’s coffin was displayed in a glass case at the Grand Mosalla, a prominent mosque and prayer complex in central Tehran. It was placed beside the coffins of four family members killed in the conflict with the U.S. and Israel four months ago.

Mourners, dressed in black, arrived early Saturday morning, heeding calls from Iranian leaders to gather in large numbers. As the sun rose, tens of thousands had congregated. Inside the Grand Mosalla’s courtyard, a sea of people stood before a large banner of Khamenei, whom many view as a martyr. Men expressed their grief visibly, some beating their chests in song and waving Iranian flags.

Mourners inside Imam Khomeini Mosalla Grand Mosque, Saturday.

Streets around the funeral site were closed, compelling many mourners to proceed on foot. Loudspeakers played religious music throughout the area, which was lined with portraits of Khamenei. Attendees showcased the national flag widely, symbolizing a rise in nationalist sentiment fueled by recent conflicts.

Some mourners chanted calls for revenge. These expressions highlighted the tension and sorrow surrounding the event. Despite temperatures climbing to 93 degrees, water misted from nearby rooftops to provide some relief from the heat.

Even larger crowds are anticipated on Monday. Organizers expect 15 to 20 million participants in Tehran alone, potentially ranking this as one of the largest funerals for any world leader. On that day, Khamenei’s casket will move through Tehran’s streets.

Attendees from across Iran and abroad during Khamenei’s funeral ceremony, Saturday.

Khamenei’s funeral was delayed due to the conflict. Following his death, his 56-year-old son, Mojtaba, succeeded him. However, he has remained unseen since the conflict began and is not expected to partake in the funeral events. Sources indicate he was injured in the attack that killed his father, though details about his injuries are scarce.

Initial funeral proceedings on Friday were private. Senior Iranian officials, military leaders, and foreign dignitaries paid their respects. Among attendees were Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and delegations from several nations. Ghalibaf urged Iranians to attend in large numbers, emphasizing the event’s symbolic importance.

Security remains a key concern due to past militant attacks on Iranian funeral ceremonies. The Islamic State once targeted a large gathering for Gen. Qassem Soleimani’s anniversary, resulting in numerous casualties.

The coffins of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and family members, crowds outside the Grand Mosalla.

Tehran’s mayor, Alireza Zakani, suggests up to 20 million could attend the capital’s extensive funeral. Subsequent events are planned in Qom on Tuesday and in Iraq on Wednesday, highlighting Iran’s regional influence. The inclusion of Iraq underlines the Iranian military’s reach, with militia groups allied with Iran frequently targeting U.S. interests.

Khamenei’s burial will occur Thursday in his hometown of Mashhad, near Iran’s most revered Shiite shrine.