More than four months after he was killed in a joint US-Israeli airstrike, Iran has begun several days of public mourning and funeral processions for its former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian authorities say 12 to 20 million people are expected to attend the ceremonies, which they are calling the 'funeral of the century'.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was Iran's Supreme Leader for over three decades until his death in February 2026. He was killed alongside family members, including his 14-month-old granddaughter Zahra Mohammadi Golpayegani, during joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The strikes triggered a major regional war, which has since been halted by a fragile ceasefire after a preliminary deal between Iran and the US.
“Iran's funeral for slain supreme leader Khamenei draws millions amid fragile ceasefire.”
The funeral events span six days. Khamenei's body lies in state at Tehran's Grand Mosalla religious complex alongside the coffins of his relatives. On Friday, the coffins were unveiled in a glass case before weeping mourners. Thousands dressed in black packed the streets, waving Iranian flags, chanting 'death to America' and 'revenge, revenge'. An official funeral ceremony will take place in Tehran on Saturday, led by the Tehran-based Mohammad Rasulullah Corps. After three days in Tehran, the body will be taken to Qom and then to Mashhad, Khamenei's hometown, for burial next Thursday. Events are also planned in Iraq.
Foreign dignitaries attending include Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, the Afghan Taliban's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, and representatives from Iraq, Armenia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and others. China also sent delegates. Security has been heightened, and Iran's airspace has been closed for the processions.
For UK readers, this event is significant because it underscores the fragility of the ceasefire between Iran and the US, and the potential for renewed conflict that could affect global oil prices and security. The massive turnout is seen by Iran's ruling clerics as a 'referendum' on the Islamic Republic. Iran has warned the US and Israel against any attacks during the funeral, saying they would face 'harsh retaliation'. US President Donald Trump acknowledged the mourning period, saying he 'gave them a week off for a funeral' and that Iran is 'dying to settle' negotiations.
Q: Who was Ayatollah Ali Khamenei? Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the Supreme Leader of Iran, the country's highest political and religious authority, until he was killed in airstrikes by the US and Israel in February 2026. He had held the position since 1989.
Q: Why is the funeral being called the 'funeral of the century'? Iranian authorities expect between 12 and 20 million mourners to attend the six-day funeral events across several cities, making it one of the largest public funerals in history. Officials described the turnout as a 'referendum' for the Islamic Republic.
Q: What is the current state of the Iran-US war? A fragile ceasefire is in place after a preliminary deal to halt the conflict that erupted after Khamenei's death. President Trump said Iran is 'dying to settle' negotiations, but Iran has warned against any attacks during the funeral.
The remains will lie in state in Tehran until Sunday, then be moved to Qom and Mashhad for burial next Thursday. The ceasefire remains tense, with both sides wary of further escalation. Iran has closed its airspace and heightened security for the events. The outcome of negotiations between Iran and the US will determine whether the truce holds or conflict resumes.