Iran Begins Funeral and Burial Ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

Tehran, July 6: Iran on Monday commenced the funeral and burial ceremonies for the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to the country’s state broadcaster.

The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) reported that the ceremonies began in the capital, Tehran, with large crowds gathering to participate in the funeral procession. State media said Khamenei’s coffin, draped in the Iranian national flag, was accompanied by the coffins of three members of his family who were reportedly killed during the outbreak of the recent conflict involving Israel and the United States.

The funeral procession is scheduled to pass through several major streets and public squares in Tehran, including Enghelab Street and Azadi Square, before proceeding toward Mehrabad International Airport.

Iranian authorities expect millions of people from across the country to attend the ceremonies as a demonstration of national solidarity. Over the past three days, thousands of mourners have gathered at Tehran’s Mosalla Mosque to pay their final respects to the late leader and his family members.

Officials said the procession, which began early Monday morning, is expected to continue for approximately 10 to 12 hours. The government has also declared Sunday and Monday as public holidays to facilitate public participation. According to official estimates, between 15 and 20 million people are expected to attend the funeral events in Tehran alone.

The funeral ceremonies will continue beyond Tehran. Khamenei’s coffin is scheduled to be taken to the holy city of Qom for additional religious observances. A memorial ceremony is also planned in southern Iraq on July 8, after which the body will return to Iran for burial in his hometown of Mashhad on July 9.

State television footage showed several senior Iranian political and military leaders standing near the coffin during the funeral prayers. Khamenei’s sons, Mostafa, Masoud, and Meysam, were present at the ceremony. However, his son Mojtaba Khamenei, who has reportedly been chosen as the country’s new Supreme Leader, did not appear publicly. Reports indicate that he has remained out of public view after reportedly sustaining injuries during the recent conflict.

This report is based on information released by Iranian state media and international news agencies. Independent verification of all official claims was not immediately available.