Iran Begins Multi-Day Funeral for Ayatollah Khamenei

Iran is preparing for a multi-day funeral ceremony for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the recent conflict at the age of 86, as authorities seek to project unity and strength in the aftermath of the war.

Across Tehran, banners and large displays have been erected urging citizens to stand behind the Islamic Republic. State television broadcast footage of nighttime rallies in several cities, where crowds chanted slogans in support of the leadership while condemning the United States and Israel.

Authorities expect millions of mourners to gather in Tehran from Saturday, drawing comparisons with the massive funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989.

The funeral is expected to serve as a major political moment for Iran as the country navigates post-war tensions, renewed diplomatic efforts, and concerns over possible further regional escalation.

Khamenei’s flag-draped coffin was placed at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla alongside the bodies of several family members killed in the Israeli strike that marked the start of the conflict on February 28.

Among those mourned were his son-in-law, eldest daughter, 14-month-old granddaughter, and the wife of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Mojtaba, who reportedly sustained injuries during the attack, has remained out of public view.

Senior Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian, paid tribute during the ceremony. Religious leaders and foreign dignitaries also attended.

State media showed mourners throwing scarves and personal belongings toward the coffin so attendants could touch them against it, reflecting a traditional gesture of reverence and blessing.

Later, Khamenei’s coffin was draped with a red flag bearing the words “Ya Hussein,” a powerful Shiite symbol associated with martyrdom, sacrifice and justice. The flag was brought from the Imam Hussein shrine in Karbala.

In a notable development, senior military figure Ahmad Vahidi made his first public appearance in months during funeral preparations. State media showed him attending planning meetings before appearing beside Khamenei’s coffin at a private memorial.

In remarks aired on Friday, Vahidi said Khamenei’s death would strengthen Iran’s resolve and insisted the country would not yield to external pressure.

Analysts believe Vahidi is playing an important role in shaping Iran’s negotiations with the United States as tensions remain high following the conflict.

It remains unclear whether Mojtaba Khamenei will appear publicly during the funeral ceremonies. His father had appeared prominently during Ayatollah Khomeini’s funeral in 1989 before later assuming leadership.

Iran’s military leadership has also warned Israel and the United States against actions that could escalate tensions during the mourning period.

Funeral ceremonies are set to continue for several days in multiple cities across Iran as well as in neighboring Iraq. Authorities are expected to impose traffic restrictions, airspace controls and heightened security measures in Tehran to manage the large gatherings.

Throughout the capital, banners featuring Khamenei’s raised clenched fist have been displayed alongside images of missiles and messages in Farsi, Arabic and English carrying the slogan: “We must rise.”

In his first televised message to the nation, Mojtaba Khamenei said his father died with his fist raised, portraying him as a symbol of resistance and defiance.