Iran Begins Seven-Day Funeral for Former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as Millions Expected to Mourn

Iran Begins Seven-Day Funeral for Former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as Millions Expected to Mourn

Iran has begun an unprecedented seven-day funeral procession for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with millions of mourners expected to participate in ceremonies stretching across Iran and into Iraq.

The state-organized funeral, which officially began on July 3, follows Khamenei's reported death in a US-Israeli attack on February 28. The ceremonies will conclude with his burial on July 9 at the revered Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam.

Millions Expected to Join Nationwide Funeral Processions

According to Iranian authorities, funeral events will take place in several major cities, including Tehran, Qom, Najaf, and Karbala, before ending in Mashhad.

The opening ceremony drew families of civilians and military personnel killed during previous conflicts, including those who died in last year's 12-day war.

Officials have described the funeral as one of the largest public commemorations in modern Iranian history, with millions expected to line the streets throughout the week.

Tehran on Maximum Security Alert

Security has been significantly tightened across Tehran as authorities prepare for massive crowds.

Leading the funeral arrangements is General Ahmad Vahidi, the newly appointed commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Vahidi made his first public appearance in months on Friday, seated beside Khamenei's coffin. He assumed leadership of the IRGC after his predecessor, Mohammad Pakpour, was reportedly killed during the opening day of the US-Israeli strikes. Before taking command of the IRGC, Vahidi served as head of Iran's elite Quds Force.

Iranian Military Vows Revenge Against US and Israel

During the funeral ceremonies, Major-General Amir Hatami, commander-in-chief of Iran's armed forces, delivered a defiant message, promising retaliation against the United States and Israel.

«"With a firmer resolve, we declare to the enemies of the Iranian nation—America and the criminal Zionist regime—that we will avenge the blood of the martyred leader," Hatami said.»

The statement underscores growing tensions in the Middle East following Khamenei's reported assassination and raises concerns over the possibility of further regional escalation.

Funeral Route Ends at Imam Reza Shrine

Public viewing of Khamenei's coffin is scheduled to begin on Saturday morning as officials prepare to manage millions of mourners amid an intense regional heatwave.

The procession will continue through Tehran and Qom before briefly crossing into the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala on July 8.

The final burial ceremony is scheduled for July 9 at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, where Iran's former Supreme Leader will be laid to rest.

Why This Funeral Matters

The week-long funeral is expected to become one of the most significant political and religious events in Iran's recent history. Beyond honoring the country's longtime leader, the ceremonies are likely to serve as a demonstration of national unity while intensifying already strained relations between Iran, the United States, and Israel.

With millions expected to participate and senior military officials openly promising retaliation, the world will be closely watching developments throughout the funeral period.