Iran begins six-day funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as millions prepare to pay tribute

Iran on Saturday began six days of public funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with state media reporting that millions are expected to take part in events across the country before his burial.

Iranian authorities estimate that between 15 million and 20 million people could participate in the ceremonies in Tehran alone over the next three days.

Khamenei, who led the Islamic Republic from 1989 until his death at the age of 86, was killed on February 28, the opening day of the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

The funeral is also expected to draw attention for any public appearance by his son and designated successor, Mojtaba Khamenei. Named Supreme Leader a week after his father’s death, Mojtaba has yet to make a public appearance.

Hundreds of supporters gathered outside Tehran’s Grand Mosalla religious complex on Friday evening, ahead of the venue opening to the public on Saturday morning.

Funeral to span Iran and Iraq

Khamenei’s body will lie in state at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla on Saturday and Sunday.

On Monday, it will be carried in a funeral procession through the streets of the capital before being transported to the holy city of Qom, around 120 kilometres south of Tehran, where additional ceremonies will be held on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the body will be taken to Karbala in Iraq, home to the shrine of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and one of Shia Islam’s most revered figures.

The date also coincides with the anniversary of nationwide protests against Khamenei’s rule, during which thousands of demonstrators were reportedly killed by security forces.

Following the ceremonies in Karbala, Khamenei’s body will be returned to Iran and taken to Mashhad, the country’s second-largest city.

Burial at Imam Reza shrine

Iranian authorities have said Khamenei will be buried at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, one of Shia Islam’s holiest sites.

The shrine, dedicated to Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam, attracts millions of pilgrims each year. Shia tradition holds that those who visit the shrine seeking forgiveness or relief from hardship will find spiritual comfort.

Several prominent Shia figures are buried there, including former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in 2024.