Thousands of mourners filled the streets of Tehran on Monday as the funeral procession for Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, got underway amid tight security and expectations of massive crowds.
State television reported that the procession began after Khamenei’s body had lain in state for two days at the Grand Mosalla religious complex, where thousands of Iranians paid their final respects.
Iranian authorities are anticipating one of the largest public gatherings in the country’s history, drawing comparisons with the 1989 funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, which attracted millions of mourners.
Khamenei, who led the Islamic Republic for more than 35 years, was killed on February 28, the opening day of the recent Middle East conflict. Iranian officials said he and four members of his family died in Israeli airstrikes reportedly carried out with U.S. intelligence support.
The funeral comes just weeks after Iran emerged from a five-week conflict involving Israel and the United States, with the ceremonies seen as an opportunity for the country’s leadership to project unity and resilience despite the recent hostilities.
State media reported that mourners gathered at Imam Hussein Square, where some participants displayed anti-American sentiments, including hanging an effigy of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Security has been significantly strengthened for the procession as authorities seek to prevent a repeat of the disorder that marked Ayatollah Khomeini’s funeral in 1989. During that event, crowd surges reportedly claimed more than 10 lives and left thousands injured after mourners overwhelmed security personnel.
To reduce the risk of stampedes, officials erected reinforced concrete barriers around Khamenei’s coffin while it lay in state, restricting direct access by the public.
Attention also remains focused on Iran’s new leadership, with Khamenei’s successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, yet to make a public appearance since assuming office.
The funeral ceremonies are expected to conclude with the burial of the late leader, bringing to an end the tenure of one of the most influential figures in Iran’s modern political and religious history.
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