Thousands Gather in Tehran as Iran Holds Funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Thousands of mourners have filled the streets of Tehran as Iran began the funeral procession for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli air strikes in February.
The procession began early Monday in the Iranian capital, with large crowds waving national flags, carrying portraits of the late leader and paying their final respects during the first major public ceremony in Tehran. Authorities expect millions of people to participate in funeral events taking place across Iran and neighbouring Iraq throughout the week.
The funeral ceremonies officially began on Friday and are scheduled to continue with stops in the holy city of Qom, followed by visits to the Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala before concluding on Thursday in Mashhad, where Khamenei will be laid to rest. Iranian officials have described the ceremonies as the “funeral of the century” because of the expected turnout.
Khamenei led Iran for more than 35 years and played a central role in shaping the country’s domestic policies and foreign relations. His death marked one of the most significant moments in Iran’s modern political history and triggered a period of national mourning.
Following his death, his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was named as his successor. However, he has yet to make a public appearance since assuming the position and has remained absent from the funeral ceremonies, prompting widespread speculation about his plans for leading the country.
The funeral takes place as a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States continues to hold after months of heightened military tensions. Diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a longer-term peace agreement remain ongoing, although negotiations have reportedly been paused during the funeral period.
According to reports, US President Donald Trump said discussions on a permanent peace deal had been temporarily suspended to allow events surrounding Khamenei’s funeral to proceed.
Security has been tightened across Tehran and other cities hosting the funeral events as Iranian authorities prepare for massive crowds over the coming days. The ceremonies are expected to draw political leaders, religious figures and supporters from across the region.
The funeral marks the end of an era in Iranian politics while the country’s new leadership faces the challenge of maintaining stability at home and navigating ongoing diplomatic tensions with the international community.
