Massive Crowds Attend Funeral of Former Iranian Leader

In Tehran, massive crowds gathered for the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s former Supreme Leader. The event marked the start of a weeklong mourning period intended to highlight the Islamic Republic’s resilience.

Khamenei’s 86-year-old coffin, draped in the Iranian flag, was displayed in a glass case at the Grand Mosalla complex. It was placed alongside the coffins of four family members killed in an attack months ago involving the U.S. and Israel.

Early Saturday, mourners dressed in black arrived on the streets, responding to calls from Iranian leaders to show solidarity. By sunrise, the gathering grew to tens of thousands at the Grand Mosalla, with attendees viewing a giant banner of Khamenei, often called a martyr by supporters. Men mourned loudly, waving flags and singing.

Roads near the funeral site were closed, and loudspeakers played religious music across Tehran. Many attendees carried national flags, indicating a rise in nationalist sentiment since the conflict began.

Some expressed anger, chanting calls for revenge. Temperatures reached 93 degrees, prompting the use of water misters to cool mourners. Larger crowds are expected on Monday when Khamenei’s casket is moved through Tehran, with organizers predicting 15 to 20 million attendees.

The funeral had been delayed due to ongoing conflict. Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, who was injured in the attack, succeeds him but has not been seen since the war began. He is not expected to attend the funeral events.

Private funeral proceedings occurred Friday with senior Iranian officials, military leaders, and foreign dignitaries, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Ghalibaf encouraged immense turnout as a demonstration against oppression.

International figures visited, representing countries like Russia, China, and Turkey. Security remains a priority due to past militant attacks on funeral gatherings. Mayor Alireza Zakani has said up to 20 million could attend in Tehran.

Funeral events will continue in Qom and in Iraq, highlighting ties between Iran and Shiite religious sites. Iranian forces will use these events to emphasize regional influence. Khamenei will be buried Thursday in Mashhad, a notable Shiite religious site.