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Iran is making extensive preparations for the state funeral of its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose death in US-Israeli airstrikes marked a historic turning point during the recent Middle East conflict.
Large portraits of Khamenei have been displayed across Tehran, including at the Grand Mosalla complex, where workers and security personnel have been preparing for the funeral ceremony scheduled to begin on Saturday. The event, initially postponed due to the ongoing conflict, will take place as Iran and the United States observe a fragile ceasefire following a preliminary agreement aimed at ending hostilities.
Khamenei, regarded by millions of Shia Muslims as a significant spiritual and political figure, was killed at the age of 86 at his residence in central Tehran on the opening day of the war. His public funeral will commence with his body lying in state at the Grand Mosalla, one of Iran’s largest religious and ceremonial venues. The remains of several of his relatives, who were also killed during the conflict, will be presented during the ceremonies.
Iranian officials estimate that between 15 and 20 million people could attend the funeral proceedings, potentially making it the largest state funeral in the country’s history. Preparations have intensified across the capital, with workers repainting public areas, erecting temporary structures, and implementing extensive security measures.
State television footage has shown construction crews working around the clock, while authorities have urged citizens to use public transportation due to anticipated congestion. Public safety announcements have also advised mourners to remain hydrated, as temperatures are expected to rise during the funeral period.
Traffic restrictions have already begun to affect major roads throughout Tehran, a city already known for severe congestion. Meanwhile, state media has dedicated extensive coverage to documentaries and retrospectives on Khamenei’s life and political legacy.
International Delegations Expected
A separate memorial event for foreign dignitaries is scheduled for Friday.
According to Ali-Akbar Pourjamshidian, secretary of the funeral ceremony headquarters, representatives from approximately 30 countries are expected to attend. Thousands of mourners are also anticipated to arrive from neighboring countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated that Tehran had not extended official invitations to European countries, criticizing their positions during the recent conflict. At the same time, Iran has maintained close diplomatic coordination with Russia throughout the crisis.
Public holidays have been declared in Tehran, as well as in the religious cities of Qom and Mashhad, where additional memorial ceremonies and burial events will take place. Authorities have ordered the closure of public and private offices in Tehran from Saturday through Monday, while extensive traffic restrictions will limit access to central areas of the city.
Political and Social Significance
The funeral comes only months after widespread protests across Iran, initially triggered by rising living costs before expanding into broader anti-government demonstrations. Across Tehran, banners and posters promoting national unity have appeared, with slogans emphasizing resilience and hopes for a “bright future.”
Following the ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei’s body is expected to be transported to the holy Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala before its final burial on July 9 at the shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad, his birthplace in northeastern Iran.
Questions remain regarding the public appearance of Khamenei’s son and designated successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen publicly since his appointment. Officials have declined to confirm whether he will attend the main funeral ceremony.
“The issue of the Supreme Leader’s attendance is not within my authority or knowledge,” Pourjamshidian told reporters. “If there is any official programme, it will certainly be announced by the Office of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.”
