Iran Holds Dayslong Funeral for Late Ayatollah Khamenei
In Tehran, mourners gathered at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla Grand Mosque on Saturday, July 4, 2026, to begin the dayslong funeral procession for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei, aged 86, was killed in an airstrike at the onset of recent conflict. This event has seen attendees expressing sorrow and determination for revenge.
Authorities presented Khamenei’s casket in a glass case at the Grand Mosalla, eliciting tears and chants from attendees. The mourners carried banners, flags, and witnessed billboards with his image throughout the city. Shiite funeral traditions were evident as men performed chest-beating in a rhythmic manner.
Hananeh Mousavi, a 27-year-old attendee, expressed her grief by saying, “I am here to say goodbye to my beloved leader Ali Khamenei. I never expected to see such a day.”
A stage set at the Grand Mosalla mirrored a previous site of Khamenei’s speeches, destroyed in the strike that marked the beginning of the war. His family members’ coffins were placed under his, with his black turban signifying his lineage from Prophet Muhammad.
Religious leaders and mourners gathered for the viewing before the funeral commenced. The government anticipates a turnout similar to that of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s burial in 1989, expecting millions in the streets. Cold drinks and water sprays were provided to cope with the summer heat.
Ali Kazemi, attending from Tabriz, over 330 miles from Tehran, stated, “We attended the funeral to show that we are all committed to defend our country and religion.”
A large attendance could strengthen Iran’s government, especially as they continue negotiations with the U.S. regarding war cessation and face possible future threats from Israel.
The funeral coincided with the U.S.’s 250th anniversary. Chants of “Death to America” echoed, a common refrain since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump stated, “We knocked the hell out of Iran,” during his speech at Mount Rushmore.
Mourners in Tehran held a flag reading “#KillTrump,” showing disdain for the U.S. president. Khamenei’s body is scheduled to be moved through various cities in Iran and Iraq during the mourning period. Authorities halted activities and restricted access in Tehran for the funeral.
It remains uncertain if Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the new supreme leader, will attend his father’s funeral. Mojtaba’s wife was also killed in the strike. Iran warned Israel and the U.S. to avoid “any miscalculation” in the upcoming days as threats to Mojtaba Khamenei from Israel persist.