Iran is preparing for funeral ceremonies to honor the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with events scheduled to begin in Tehran on July 4 and conclude on July 9 in his hometown of Mashhad. The former leader, who served as Iran’s supreme leader for 36 years, was reportedly killed on February 28 during the initial stages of the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
Authorities anticipate a significant turnout for the funeral, with state media estimating that over 20 million people are expected to travel to Tehran—more than double the city’s population of approximately 10 million. In addition to Tehran, ceremonies will also be held in the holy city of Qom and in Mashhad, where large gatherings are forecast.
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has urged citizens to participate in large numbers, stating that the funeral offers an opportunity for Iranians to make a historic statement. He emphasized the importance of the event as a time to call for retribution, asserting that the nation’s demand for vengeance should be made clear globally.
Security concerns have influenced the attendance of key figures at the funeral. Ayatollah Hakim Elahi, a representative of the current Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in India, stated that Mojtaba Khamenei will not attend the ceremonies due to threats against Iran’s leadership. The official attributed this decision to ongoing threats from Israel, which has heightened tensions following statements by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz. Katz recently declared that Ali Khamenei was “marked for death,” a remark that provoked a strong response from Iran’s foreign minister, who warned that future threats would be met with a “powerful response.”
The late Ali Khamenei was known for his critical stance toward the United States and played a significant role in shaping Iran’s political and religious landscape during his tenure. The forthcoming funeral events are expected to draw extensive domestic and international attention amid the backdrop of heightened regional tensions and ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.